Atlético Madrid Ready to Punish Struggling Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Need a Reaction
Athletic Club must recover fast after a heavy 3–0 defeat to Real Madrid. That loss means four defeats in their last six league games, which is worrying form. The team will hope history helps, because they have not lost two home league games in a row since August 2023.
Home Form Not Good Enough
There is still a problem at San Mamés. Athletic have only two wins in their last six home league matches. They also struggle to score more than once at home. In six of their last seven home games in LaLiga, they have scored one goal or fewer.
Saturday might not help either. Athletic have lost seven of their last nine Saturday league matches. Confidence is low, and goals are a problem.
Atlético Look to Bounce Back
Atlético Madrid also suffered a setback in midweek with a 3–1 defeat at Barcelona. That loss ended a run of seven straight wins in all competitions, including five in LaLiga.
Diego Simeone’s team now want to avoid losing two away league games in a row for the first time since January 2024. But their away record this season is mixed, with two wins, three draws, and two losses. Saturday games away from home have also been an issue, with only one win in their last seven.
Head-to-Head History
Atlético have won the last three meetings between the two teams. Only one of the last nine matches saw both sides score, so the first goal will be very important.
Key Stats
Athletic concede goals late. They have let in 14 of their 22 league goals this season after half-time. Their last six games all finished with only one team scoring.
Atlético start fast. They have scored in the first 20 minutes in four of their last five matches and have scored first in all 15 league games this season.
Players to Watch
Oihan Sancet is dangerous at home. Eight of his last nine league goals have come at San Mamés.
Julián Álvarez scored the winner in the last meeting, and Atlético have won every game in which he has scored in his last six.
Athletic have no major fitness issues. Atlético have doubts over José María Giménez, Johnny Cardoso, and Álex Baena after injuries against Barcelona.
Please note: this is only an analysis, and we take no responsibility for any bets placed by readers.
