Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao on and what time does it start? Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao will take place on Sunday 31st March, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao on in the UK? Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao in the UK? Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are the so-called ‘champions-elect’ in Spain as they begin the return to action after the March international break with an eight-point lead at the top-of-the-table over Clasico rivals, Barcelona. Madrid have suffered just two losses in 41 matches across all competitions with both losses coming at the Metropolitano against capital city rivals, Atletico.
Los Blancos come into this one on the back of an impressive 4-2 defeat of Osasuna at the always difficult to go to El Sadar a couple of weeks ago. Vinicius Junior put Madrid ahead in that game before Ante Budimir equalised in the seventh minute. Joselu made it 2-1 soon after before second-half strikes from Vinicius and Brahim Diaz. Iker Munoz did then notch a late consolation.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Coached by former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club have enjoyed a very impressive season with a very exciting ‘run-in’ to look forward to after the March international break. The Basque giants the Copa del Rey final against Real Mallorca at La Cartuja in Seville to look forward to in early April.
In La Liga, they are also on the hunt for a top four finish and potential UEFA Champions League qualification. They begin this weekend sitting a point and a place above Atletico Madrid in the table in the top four as they come into this one on the back of a 2-0 defeat against Alaves at San Mames a couple of weeks ago with a brace scored by striker Gorka Guruzeta.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL MADRID
Vinicius Junior is out suspended for this one but Jude Bellingham has returned from his suspension. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos are among those sidelined through injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-1-2-1-2): Lunin; Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Modric; Valverde, Bellingham, Brahim Diaz; Rodrygo, Arda Guler
UNAVAILABLE: Vinicius Junior (Suspended), Camavinga (Injured), Ceballos (Injured), Militao (Injured), Courtois (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Joselu (Injured)
ATHLETIC BILBAO
The visitors have two injury issues for this weekend’s clash with Real Madrid as both Ander Herrera and Yuri Berchiche are unavailable for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Prados, Ruiz de Galarreta; I. Williams, Gomez, N. Williams; Guruzeta
UNAVAILABLE: Berchiche (Injured), Herrera (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one has the potential to be an absolute thriller at the Bernabeu on Sunday evening. Real Madrid have done what Real Madrid do and that is simply win games with efficiency and occasional ease, albeit never really totally and overwhelmingly convincing the neutral. Athletic Club, on the other hand, have been a stellar side to watch for the neutral and will take the game to the 14-time European champions. Madrid remain favourites, especially at home, but a high-scoring thriller could well be in store.
TIP: REAL MADRID TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS
