One of the most exciting clashes in La Liga at the moment takes place tonight when Real Madrid visit the home of Athletic Club. The Basque team is trying to maintain its good form, while another challenge is coming for the guests in the fight for the league title. Let's see what we can expect from this rally and how the course of the match may develop!
Athletic Club: Preparing for a surprise at San Mames
Athletic have been in excellent form this season, currently in fourth place in the La Liga table, which proves the stability and composure of Ernesto Valverde's team. The Basques are constantly building on the unity of the team, which is basically based on a strong defense and effective attacks. They have remained unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, which gives confidence and encouraging signs even before the clash against Real Madrid.
The home team successfully overcome obstacles in their recent matches, such as a 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano and a 3-0 win against Elfsborg in the Europa League. Athletic's stability and discipline will be key if they are to make things difficult for Real Madrid. Unai Simon, returning from his previous injury, is once again available to Ernesto Valverde as an option in goal, but it is questionable whether he or Julen Agirrezabala, who played a lot during the season, will be trusted.
Athletic's expected starting line-up against Real Madrid: 4-2-3-1 formation: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Djalo.
Real Madrid: Back to winning ways?
The match in San Mames will be a serious challenge for Carlo Ancelotti's team. Although they have won their last three La Liga matches (against Osasuna, Leganes and Getafe), the defeats suffered in Europe - most recently against Liverpool - have shown that Real Madrid's form is not completely stable yet.
Real Madrid are still without several key players. Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain injured, although Jude Bellingham is expected to return after picking up a minor injury against Getafe. However, Ancelotti's team is optimistic about the match, as they need all the points in the fight for the La Liga title.
Expected starting line-up for Real Madrid: 4-3-1-2 formation: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Modric, Bellingham; Guler; Rodrygo, Mbappe.
Statistics and forms: Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid
Based on the balance of the last five matches between the two teams, Real Madrid has the advantage with three wins, while Athletic managed to triumph once and one meeting ended in a draw. Their last meeting was in March 2024, when Real Madrid won 2-0 at home against Athletic.
Although Athletic suffered defeats against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the beginning of the season, they are unbeaten in nine games since then, which should give them a lot of confidence in the meeting against Real Madrid. Madrid, on the other hand, come with three league wins behind them, but the defeat against Liverpool highlighted the vulnerability of their defence.
Match prediction and odds analysis
Real Madrid's current three-game winning streak is clearly a positive step, but the team still struggles with consistent form. Athletic, on the other hand, is a solid, well-organized team that is especially dangerous for its opponents at home. Athletic is mainly built on defence, and they take advantage of Real Madrid's defensive weaknesses, especially against Madrid's weak back line due to many injuries.
In today's match, we can expect a close fight, where both teams will try to assert their own game. For Athletic Club, organization and quick counters may be key, while for Real Madrid it is essential that offensive players like Bellingham or Mbappe bring the level expected of them.
Tip mix Tips for the match:
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Athletic will likely look to defend tight and exploit opportunities on the counter, while Real Madrid will do their best to dominate the game.
Summary
The clash between Athletic Club and Real Madrid promises to be an exciting match from every point of view. Real Madrid need the points to keep pace at the top, while Athletic Club still wants to stay in the top 4. Both teams are motivated, which can result in a close, competitive match.
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