THERE is a top-four La Liga clash on the evening of Wednesday, December 4th of Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid from the San Mames Stadium. A win for the visitors would send them to the top of the table, but can they pull it off against the in-form Lions?
How the bookies view it: Real Madrid Favourites
Real Madrid are 5/4 odds against favourites for this match, which looks like being a big test for them at the San Mames. Los Blancos are on a three-match league winning streak, however, and have a chance to move two points clear at the top. But Athletic Bilbao have some excellent home form and aren’t out of it as 11/5 underdogs.
Recent head-to-head: Los Blancos on top
Real Madrid have lost just one of their last nine matches in all competitions against Athletic Bilbao. Over the previous six meetings, they are W5 D1 against The Lions, so they have some big head-to-head form. In last season’s corresponding fixture, Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners, which has been their winning scoreline in each of their last three victories over Bilbao.
Players to watch: Rodrygo the man to watch
Real Madrid forward Rodrgyo netted three goals in two appearances against Athletic Bilbao last season. He hasn’t played much recently, but was back in the starting line-up on the weekend in Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe and with Vinicius Jr out, he will likely be back in the frame for more game time.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were both on target in that 2-0 success over Getafe, a welcome return to scoring form for both of them. Madrid will look for a special moment from one of them to help carry them through this match.
The top scorer for Bilbao this season is Oihan Sancet who is up to seven goals in twelve league appearances in this campaign. He netted a brace in Bilbao’s away win at Rayo Vallecano on the weekend. The Lions will need a big performance from him up front to trouble the mean Madrid back line.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid do have some long-term absences including David Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal, but they have been coping recently. Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Jr are more temporary absentees. Athletic Bilbao have Benat Prados back after suspension and keeper Unai Simon is back available after injury too.
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Djalo
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Guler; Rodrygo, Mbappe
Anything else catches the eye?
Real Madrid have posted a W3 D3 L0 record on the road this season. Both road matches they have played so far against teams inside the top six have ended in 1-1 draws. So this may not be the easiest of fixtures for them on Wednesday night.
Home and away Real Madrid have won their last three league games with a clean sheet, and have taken one in four of their last six. Los Blancos are averaging just 0.67 goals per game against them away from the Bernabeu this season. They have kept a clean sheet in six of their last nine against The Lions.
Athletic Bilbao have a good W4 D3 L1 home record in La Liga this season. Home and away, they are currently on a six-match unbeaten streak of form, and have conceded at an average of 0.75 goals per game at San Mames this season.
This La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid will be played on Dec 4, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
