The 2017-18 campaign was a turbulent and disappointing season for Athletic Bilbao, with Los Leones struggling to find consistency and finishing a perilous 16th in La Liga, just a few points above the relegation zone. The demanding league season was a deep frustration under manager José Ángel Ziganda, despite attacking midfielder Raúl García's crucial contribution of 10 goals. However, the team did deliver a memorable European run, reaching the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. This challenging year ultimately belonged to the evergreen veteran Aritz Aduriz, whose spectacular haul of 20 goals across all competitions anchored the side and remains a proud, if bittersweet, chapter in the club's storied history.