Europa League, Thursday, 30/01/2025 at 9:00 pm
Leganes have become a difficult opponent for the established teams in La Liga – there is no doubt about that. The Basques had to learn that the hard way a few days ago! Now, however, the attention is on the Europa League league phase.
Athletic Bilbao have already qualified for the last 16 in this competition – congratulations to them! For Viktoria Plzen, on the other hand, a lot more is at stake on Thursday. A win is essential to avoid the playoffs.
In my Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Plzen betting tip, I expect a hard-fought match in which the home side will pace themselves well.
Pilsen, on the other hand, will give their all, as a win would put them through to the last 16 in 90% of cases.
The Basques may lack motivation on Thursday, as they are already sure of progression, but they can look back on an unblemished record against Czech teams.
Athletic Club have never lost a home game against Czech opponents (1 win, 2 draws) and have already beaten Slavia Prague this season on matchday 3.
Nevertheless, the special circumstances must be taken into account. And precisely because the capable Eastern Europeans are capable of a victory, I at least believe that they will be able to avoid defeat in my Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Pilsen betting tip.
The bookmakers’ prediction
The bookmakers are relatively clear in their assessment of the Athletic Bilbao vs Viktoria Pilsen game. With an average of 1.78 for the home win, they see the Spanish team as clear favorites.
A tie, on the other hand, is valued at 3.35, which still sounds relatively fair, while an away win for Pilsen at 5.00 would represent a decent surprise.
I would wholeheartedly agree with these Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Pilsen odds if the starting position on Thursday, however, would require both teams to give their all.
KI prediction Athletic Bilbao vs Viktoria Plzen: That’s what ChatGPT predicts
The Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Plzen AI prediction provides some interesting betting options, but these can be evaluated differently.
The high-risk tip, “Pilsen to win” at odds of 5.80, is a daring undertaking, but not completely outlandish.
After all, the Czechs are under pressure and could throw everything into the game to take the three points.
With medium risk, “Both teams will score” is offered at odds of 2.22. This seems plausible, as the guests will have to play courageously to avoid a goalless draw. A scenario with goals on both sides is certainly conceivable.
By contrast, the least risky tip, “Bilbao will win at least one half”, is less convincing.
The odds of 1.53 on average are not particularly attractive, and a scenario with, for example, two goalless halves would not only be more likely in my opinion, but also more lucrative than this option.
Analysis: Athletic Bilbao vs Viktoria Pilsen
As mentioned at the beginning: Leganés has done it again.
After the surprise victories over Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, the “Leones” have now also dropped valuable La Liga points against the unruly promoted team.
This disappointing goalless draw against the league newcomers fits seamlessly into the generally weak run of form the Basques have had since the turn of the year.
Their competitive record in 2025 is: 1 win, 2 draws, 3 defeats.
Viktoria Plzen, on the other hand, are still waiting for the start of the Czech second half of the season in 2025.
The 2-0 win over Anderlecht last week remains the only competitive game the Eastern Europeans have played since the turn of the year.
In January, however, the team were able to prepare for the last two Europa League group-stage matches with promising test matches against Paderborn (2-2), Piast Gliwice (2-0) and AIK (2-0).
Odds Analysis
“Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals” at odds of 3.15 on average? That’s a quote that makes you wonder – extremely tempting, especially given the goal-festivals the Czechs have been putting on recently.
And what about ‘Prince Adu to Score’ at 6.50? He could be the decisive figure for Pilsen when it comes to scoring in front of the opposing goal. A generous rate that is definitely worth the risk if you want to bet on an underdog scorer!
Athletic Bilbao vs. Viktoria Pilsen odds: Why shouldn’t there be 3 goals?
4 of the last 5 Europa League games of the Czechs met the following conditions: “Both teams score” and “Over 2.5 goals”.
Experience has shown that there tend to be more goals on the last matchday, which is why I personally tend to go in that direction on my betting slip.
Especially since the betting providers are offering you an incredibly high rate of about 2.40 for more than 2.5 goals with Apple Pay.
I don’t see something like that every day either. Especially since the Czechs will be forced to open up at the back if it should be 0-0 for too long.
Meanwhile, you can benefit from Winamax’s new customer bonus. Click on the graphic, register and collect up to €100 for your bets.
Although Viktoria Pilsen have traditionally often lost to Spanish teams, this game could see an upset.
In fact, the Czechs have lost all five of their away games against Spanish clubs in the past, most recently a clear 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in the 2022/23 Champions League season.
But Bilbao are currently in a bit of a dip in form, and a win against Pilsen would not have a direct impact on their already secured progression.
Pilsen should not be underestimated, especially away from home. After all, they have only lost one of their last 14 European away games, picking up nine wins (3 draws) along the way. Therefore, a double chance X2 bet could be worthwhile.
For a goal bet, however, two names stand out in particular on the visitors’ side: Matej Vydra and Prince Adu, who have each scored three goals in the current Europa League season.
The only players to score more goals in a single season for Pilsen in European competitions were Marek Bakos and Michael Krmencik (both scored 4 goals in 2017/18).
You can place corresponding football bets, by the way, at our checked bookies like Winamax, where you can also enjoy the first-class Winamax bonus as a new customer.
By the way: the goal bet at the said bookmaker for a goal from Prince Adu is around 6.50.
My Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Pilsen Tip:
The Basques are still licking their wounds after the disappointing 0-0 draw against Leganés in La Liga a few days ago and have had a bumpy start to the new year 2025 anyway.
Pilsen, on the other hand, impressed me a lot in their commanding 2-0 win over Anderlecht a week ago.
If they play with the same discipline again, they should be able to take at least a point home with them – even though the fans are obviously hoping for the full three points.
My Athletic Bilbao Viktoria Pilsen betting tip: Double chance X2.
