Real Madrid could be in for a slightly frosty welcome from their own supporters on Sunday, as they return to domestic action against Athletic Club, following a painful European exit.
Well beaten by Arsenal over the two legs, and largely unimpressive in La Liga in recent months, Carlo Ancelotti’s reign is in danger of drawing to a disappointing end. That’s unless they can bounce back very quickly in what’s shaping up to be a decisive week in terms of their domestic commitments.
The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona is next weekend, but they need to win their two league games prior to that. They’ve been doing just enough of late in the Spanish top flight, with four of their last five league matches ending in one-goal victories for Los Blancos.
Athletic are certainly no pushovers, with Ernesto Valverde’s side almost guaranteed to secure Champions League qualification from this position. They saw off Rangers in Europe on Thursday night to set up a Europa League semi-final showdown with Manchester United, and they have only lost four matches all season in La Liga.
How the bookies view it: Los Blancos backed to bounce back
Real Madrid head into the game as the 4/6 favourites to record a win that would keep up the pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga. You can back Athletic to raid the Bernabeu and win the game at 21/5, while the draw is available at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: Athletic gunning for the double
Having won the reverse fixture 2-1 at San Mames, Athletic could do the double over the side from the Spanish capital on Sunday. They’ve only picked up one point from their last four away games against Real Madrid though, so recent history doesn’t offer them a great deal of encouragement.
Players to watch: Real Madrid need their stars to step up
With Kylian Mbappe unavailable, in a big blow to his chances in the Pichichi race, we’ll likely see a different system from Ancelotti. It’s one that in theory should give the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham more opportunities to take up attacking spaces usually occupied by the Frenchman.
That could lead to an increased goal threat from those players, and Vinicius Junior looks good to score anytime at 7/5 with BoyleSports, after the Brazilian also got on the scoresheet in midweek against Arsenal.
Predicted Lineups
Mbappe is both suspended and injured, while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao also continue their recoveries from injury. Real Madrid also have a doubt over left-back Ferland Mendy.
As for Athletic, they should have a full squad available, with Yuri expected to be fit to feature if required. Valverde is likely to rotate in many positions after their European game on Thursday night, with Unai Simon among those set to return in goal.
Real Madrid: Courtois, F. Garcia, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Athletic Club: Simon, Yuri, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel, Prados, Ruiz de Galarreta, Berenguer, U. Gomez, I. Williams, Guruzeta.
Anything else catch the eye?
The way Real Madrid have been struggling to dominate games of late, even against some of the lesser teams in La Liga, suggests Athletic certainly can’t be discounted here. Los Leones have won 5.40 corners per game on average away from home in the league this term, and you can back them to have over 3.5 corners at 8/11 with Paddy Power.
Real Madrid had to face 17 shots on target across the two legs of their Champions League tie against Arsenal, with Thibaut Courtois a very busy man in goal. They aren’t giving their goalkeeper anywhere near enough protection right now, and you can back over 3.5 Athletic shots on target at 29/20 in this match, also with Paddy Power.
This La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Athletic Club prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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