Athletic Bilbao Aim To Hurt Struggling Real Madrid

Athletic Back In The Groove

Athletic Bilbao returned to winning form with a controlled 2–0 victory over Levante. That performance was important after two matches without a goal. Bilbao are sitting in the top half of LaLiga and fighting for European places again. To stay in that race, they must improve their home record because dropped points at San Mamés could cost them a top-six finish for the third straight season.

Real Madrid Lose Momentum

Real Madrid drew 1–1 with Girona, which means they have now drawn three league matches in a row for the first time since December 2019. The third draw that year came against Athletic. Coach Xabi Alonso was frustrated with poor finishing, and Real are now second in the table behind Barcelona. They have also conceded first in their last three matches in all competitions. Real have won only one of their last five away league games, which is not a good sign going into this trip to Bilbao.

Head-to-Head Notes

Real Madrid have lost only one of the last six meetings with Athletic and kept a clean sheet in all four of their wins during that run. None of the last seven meetings hosted by Athletic finished in a draw.

Match Trends And Players To Watch

No team in LaLiga has conceded fewer first-half goals at home than Athletic this season. Athletic have let in exactly one goal in four of their last five home league matches, including the same 2–1 score in this fixture last season. Real Madrid have not seen a goal scored before the 40th minute in any of their last three league games. Nico Williams scored two of Athletic’s last three goals and all of his strikes this season came before half-time. Jude Bellingham scored his first Real goal in Bilbao and three of his four league goals this season came between the 40th and 60th minute. Bilbao winger Robert Navarro may miss the match through injury, while Real Madrid have no new issues.

BET TIP

Real Madrid rarely lose to Athletic, and their quality should be enough to avoid defeat even with shaky away form. Bilbao start fast at home, but Real tend to grow into games and find key moments.

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Please note: this is only an analysis, and we take no responsibility for any bets placed by readers.