Inaki Williams Vows Athletic Will Fight to Sustain Champions League Dream Against Arsenal

Athletic Club captain Inaki Williams has promised that his side will give everything to extend their Champions League journey as they prepare to face Arsenal in their long-awaited return to Europe’s top competition.

The Basque giants are back in the tournament for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign and will host the Premier League runners-up at a sold-out San Mamés on Tuesday night.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Williams underlined both the importance of the occasion and his team’s determination to rise to the challenge.

“For years we have fought to be where we are,” Williams said at his pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow, we are going to fight to keep the dream alive for as long as possible.”

The Ghana international acknowledged the threat posed by Mikel Arteta’s men and stressed the need for composure in the final third.

“We are playing against a great team, one that shows no mercy. We have to make the most of the chances we get,” he noted.

Williams also pointed to the influence of the San Mamés crowd, outlining Athletic’s tactical intent for the encounter.

“At San Mamés, we always have our moment, and the key will be to make the most of it. We will try to stifle them in their own half, break up their play in midfield and finish off moves quickly, with the support of our fans,” he explained.

Athletic enter the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Alavés in La Liga, a result that adds extra urgency to their European opener.

With Williams leading from the front, the Lions will be eager to deliver a performance worthy of their long-awaited Champions League return and to test themselves against one of England’s elite.