IKER MUNIAIN NEWS

Scores, assists, misses pen Muniain scored one goal from two shots (two on goal) and provided one assist from seven chances created in addition to missing one penalty during Sunday's 4-0 win over Real Socieda...

Impact Muniain had his penalty saved by Alejandro Remiro in the first half but didn't stop his hard work as he contributed to the final two goals of the match. With the most chances created, second-most assists and second-most fouls drawn, Muniain is consistently one of the best offerings among creative players. Up next is a trip to Barcelona, which should be an interesting match to follow.

FEBRUARY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in loss Muniain provided one assist from two chances created on eight crosses (one accurate) during Monday's 3-2 loss to Mallorca.

Impact Muniain was important in keeping his side competitive despite falling behind by two goals in the first half. He's recorded just two assists in his last seven league matches but leads the league in chances created and ranks second in fouls drawn. Heading into the derby against Real Sociedad, Muniain's production will be important to toppling a side that hasn't conceded in its last four matches.

FEBRUARY 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Athletic held by Valencia in 1st leg of Copa semifinals

Athletic Bilbao was held to a 1-1 draw at home against Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals

FEBRUARY 10, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Plays in cup Muniain started and played until stoppage time during Thursday's 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

Impact Muniain had recently returned to training after a positive COVID-19 test and only missed the 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano during a less intense part of the calendar. It shouldn't be surprising to see him back in the lineup every time the Lions take to the pitch beginning with Monday's visit from Espanyol.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Tests positive for COVID-19 Muniain has tested positive for COVID-19, his club announced Saturday.

Impact Muniain will miss Sunday's trip to Rayo Vallecano just after his historic two-goal performance in the Copa del Rey against Barcelona. In his absence, there will be a rare opening on the left wing, and that's where Alex Berenguer could find himself during the trip to Madrid.

JANUARY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Spanish FA draws criticism for Super Cup in Saudi Arabia

The president of Spain’s soccer federation has defended the return of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia as Real Madrid prepares to face Athletic Bilbao in Sunday's final

JANUARY 14, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Takes three shots in draw Muniain took three shots (one on goal) and created three chances from five crosses (two accurate) during Sunday's scoreless draw against Deportivo Alaves.

Impact Muniain also drew four fouls and remains the league leader in fouls suffered following another rough contest. With eight chances created and 13 set pieces taken in his last three matches, Muniain offers decent base value but still needs to work on his final pass along with his teammates finishing off more of their chances. He'll now travel to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup.

JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Creates four chances in loss Muniain created four chances from eight crosses (two accurate) during 84 minutes of Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid.

Impact Muniain played hard but wasn't efficient enough in many of his chances to really make a difference in the score. With one assist from six chances created on 19 crosses in the last three matches, Muniain finishes 2021 in solid form. This is something he'll need to keep up as his team fight for their place in the table, beginning with a trip to Osasuna on Jan 3.

DECEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Logs assist in win Muniain provided one assist from two chances created on five crosses (two accurate) during Sunday's 3-2 win over Real Betis.

Impact Muniain has provided two assists in his last four starts in addition to creating eight chances in that time. Though he's only completed the full 90 twice in that time, Muniain remains the top creative player for his side and he's sure to hold that influence if his team's attack can improve in 2022. First is a visit from Real Madrid on Wednesday, against which Muniain created four chances in their contest to open December.

DECEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in loss Muniain put three shots off target in addition to logging eight crosses (one accurate) and taking nine corners during Saturday's 1-0 loss to Sevilla.

Impact Muniain is a big reason why the hosts dominated much of the match but a lack of fortune in the attack still ended in defeat. With one assist from 21 crosses in his last three starts, Muniain is keeping with his average production levels even without many goals scored as a team. Up next is a visit from an in-form Betis, which have conceded the third-most crosses to midfielders.

DECEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sevilla wins at Bilbao 1-0 to pressure Madrid before derby

Sevilla has won at Athletic Bilbao 1-0 to trim Real Madrid's lead of the Spanish league to five points

DECEMBER 11, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Creates four chances in loss Muniain created four chances from four crosses and put one shot off target in 70 minutes of Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid.

Impact Muniain has created an impressive six chances over his last two starts but he's completed the full 90 just once in his last four appearances. With his solid base production from set pieces as well, Muniain can be a reliable option from a team that's struggling to consistently score goals. Up next is a trip to Getafe, which does well to limit possession in midfield but has also conceded 19 goals in 15 games.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Logs assist, forces own goal Muniain provided one assist from two chances created on nine crosses (four accurate) and took three shots (two on goal) during Friday's 2-2 draw with Granada.

Impact Muniain also helped force an own goal from Luis Maximiano thanks to a scattered play that had players from both teams scrambling to touch the ball, but Muniain was first to get there. Following a couple of disappointing performances against Cadiz and Levante, Muniain was a major contributor as his side scored more than a single goal for the first time in their last five games. He'll next travel to Real Madrid, which have conceded the second-fewest chances to midfielders in La Liga.

NOVEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Muniain helps Bilbao salvage 2-2 home draw with Granada

Iker Muniain set up one goal and helped force an equalizer to give Athletic Bilbao a 2-2 home draw with Granada in the Spanish league

NOVEMBER 26, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Less impressive in loss Muniain created four chances and put two shots off target in 76 minutes of Friday's 1-0 loss to Cadiz.

Impact Muniain was still key to his team's attacking efforts but it seemed like the final play was lacking as he was also dispossessed four times, which tied for the team lead. All in all, his recent form is nothing to scoff at with two goals and 23 chances created from 28 crosses provided over the last five matches. This will be important to consider after the international break against Levante, which still hold the worst defensive record in the league.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Saves game with free kick Muniain scored one goal from one shot and created six chances from five crosses (two accurate) during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.

Impact Muniain has scored twice in his last three starts, both of which have come from dead ball situations. In this game, he stole a point from his rival's grasp with a free kick that goalkeeper Alejandro Remiro fumbled into his own net late into stoppage time. As a result, Muniain continued what has been a successful run with two goals and 13 chances created over his last three matches. Up next is a visit from Cadiz, which have conceded the second-most goals in La Liga.

NOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Goalkeeper's mistake costs Sociedad victory in Basque derby

A mistake by Real Sociedad goalkeeper Álex Remiro has cost his team victory against rival Athletic Bilbao in the Basque Country derby in the Spanish league

OCTOBER 31, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Another strong effort in draw Muniain took four shots (three on goal) and created two chances from seven crosses (two accurate) during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Espanyol.

Impact Muniain helped his team to a healthy lead in most attacking statistics and came close to scoring if it weren't for some solid play by goalkeeper Diego Lopez. While he's only completed one full 90 all season, his one goal and 13 chances created in his last three starts still warrant the attention he's getting from opposing defenses. Up next is a trip to Real Sociedad, which have conceded the fourth-fewest goals in La Liga.

OCTOBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Scores from spot in win Muniain scored one penalty goal and created five chances during Saturday's 2-1 win over Villarreal.

Impact Even without a high number of assists or goals, Muniain has impressed this season with the second-most chances created and ranks tied for seventh in fouls drawn. Why he didn't take the second penalty after scoring the first is probably down to generosity more than anything else, but it doesn't take away from what was another impressive game. He'll next travel to Espanyol, which do well to limit attacking opportunities from midfielders.

OCTOBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Villarreal loses to Athletic, continues to struggle in Spain

Villarreal’s struggles in the Spanish league have continued with a 2-1 loss at Athletic Bilbao

OCTOBER 23, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Williams sets Liga record for successive games in Bilbao win

Athletic Bilbao forward Raúl García has scored to make amends for a squandered penalty and lead a 1-0 win over Alavés on a record-setting night for teammate Iñaki Williams

OCTOBER 1, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Creates three chances Muniain created three chances on four inaccurate crosses during Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Rayo.

Impact Muniain sent in four crosses and considered his impressive chances created numbers from earlier in the season during Tuesday's loss. All-in-all it was a strong performance and the midfielder looked to be in good form still. Next up is a Saturday trip away to Valencia.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides two assists Saturday Muniain provided two assists, took two shots off target, created seven chances, delivered eight crosses, made two interceptions and drew two fouls in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Mall...

Impact Muniain had an excellent offensive outing Saturday as he registered two assists, along with created seven chances. The midfielder has now collected three assists in four appearances this season, along with two shots, 12 chances created and 19 crosses. He will look for another great offensive performance Saturday versus Atletico Madrid.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Muniain keeps Bilbao undefeated with win over Mallorca

Iker Munian has steered Athletic Bilbao to a 2-0 win over Mallorca that gives the undefeated Basque Country side the early lead of the Spanish league

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Logs assist in draw Muniain provided one assist from three chances created on six crosses (three accurate) in 76 minutes of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Barcelona.

Impact Muniain may not be healthy enough to play for a full 90 just yet but five chances created and nine corners taken suggest he has plenty to offer. Should one of his strikers find their goalscoring stride, look for Muniain to become even more valuable as someone starts finishing the chances he creates. Up next is a trip to Celta Vigo.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE