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Peio Canales starts for Athletic against Racing de Santander in

Peio Canales starts the match for Athletic in a friendly in Laredo against Racing de Santander. The midfielder, originally from Barrika, returned to the club after being a key player in Racing's rise to Primera and plays as an attacking midfielder under the new coach, Edin Terzic.

30 July 2026Espanha
Peio Canales starts for Athletic against Racing de Santander in

Peio Canales starts for Athletic against Racing de Santander in

According to Mundodeportivo.

Why this matters

Peio Canales' presence in Athletic Bilbao's starting lineup is significant as it represents his return to the club after a successful period at Racing de Santander. His ability as an attacking midfielder could be crucial for Athletic, especially under the new management of Edin Terzic, who is looking for creative solutions in midfield. This friendly is an opportunity for Canales to establish himself and contribute to building a competitive team in the next La Liga season.

Main conclusions

  • Peio Canales starts for Athletic against Racing de Santander in.
  • Peio Canales starts for Athletic in a friendly in Laredo against Racing de Santander.
  • Canales is a starter with Athletic against Racing de Santander.

Peio Canales is one of the new additions to Athletic Bilbao's starting lineup for this afternoon's friendly against Racing de Santander, scheduled for Laredo. The midfielder, born in Barrika, returned to San Mamés this summer and will be used as an attacking midfielder, in a clear opportunity to establish himself in the pre-season.

The choice of Edin Terzic, the Basque club's new coach, highlights the desire to look for solutions in the creative central corridor and to give competitive minutes to players looking to gain space in the technical options. Preparatory games, like this one in Laredo, serve precisely to refine ideas, consolidate routines and evaluate individual performances in a real competition context, even without the pressure of points.

Canales returns to Athletic after being one of the important players in Racing de Santander's rise to Primera. Returning to the Bilbao club represents a natural step in his career, now at a higher level of demand and with the additional motivation of convincing the new coaching staff from an early age. Positioning as “10” allows you to get closer to decision zones, connect the midfield to the attack and appear between the lines for the last pass or shot.

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For Athletic, this phase of the pre-season is also a test of squad depth and internal competitiveness. Several players trained in Lezama and returning from loan are looking to show their service and secure a place. The context is conducive to tactical experiments, alternating moments of high pressure with more leisurely outings, and the presence of Canales among the starters gives clues about the search for greater creativity between the lines.

On the other hand, Racing de Santander is also preparing for the season, after a successful year culminated with promotion to the highest level. Canales' reunion with his previous club gives an additional point of interest to the friendly, although the midfielder's focus now is on establishing himself in the Rojiblanca shirt.

With no results to record at the moment, it is worth noting that the bet on Canales from the opening whistle confirms Terzic's particular attention to the offensive midfield sector. The performance of Barrika's midfielder, in this liaison role, will be one of the aspects to be followed throughout Athletic's preparation towards the start of the new La Liga season.

What happens next

After this friendly, Athletic Bilbao will continue its preparation for the new season, where Canales' performance will be closely watched. The player must take advantage of the remaining pre-season games to consolidate his position and gain the coach's trust. With the demands of La Liga in sight, Canales' ability to step up and help the team will be key to Athletic's success.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the friendly between Athletic Bilbao and Racing de Santander?

Peio Canales started for Athletic Bilbao during the pre-season friendly against Racing de Santander.

Who confirmed the casting of Peio Canales?

The choice of Peio Canales as starter was made by Edin Terzic, new coach of Athletic Bilbao.

Why did Peio Canales start this game?

Peio Canales was a starter to establish himself in the pre-season and so that the new coaching staff could evaluate his performance as an attacking midfielder.

What changes are being tested by Athletic Bilbao this pre-season?

Athletic Bilbao is testing the squad's depth and internal competitiveness, alternating between moments of high pressure and slower exits.

What is the objective of the preparation games for Athletic Bilbao?

Preparatory games serve to refine ideas, consolidate routines and evaluate individual performances in a real competition context.

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