Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s been months in the making, but finally, La Liga is back. The Spanish top flight has been out of action for over three months now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many wondering whether or not it’d even restart at all. Alas, we’re now in a position where La Liga can join the German Bundesliga as one of the first elite sports leagues back in operation. The game we’re going to be taking a look at today will see two old foes lock horns once again as Athletic Bilbao go head to head with Atletico Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao

While it’s been a less than remarkable midtable campaign for Athletic Bilbao up to this point, the overriding belief is that if they can string a few wins together in the next few weeks, they could be in the conversation for a Europa League qualifying spot. Prior to the lockdown they were suffering from some real inconsistency issues, but against Atletico, they’ll be well aware of the opposition they’re coming up against. If they can utilise their set piece prowess and really bully Atletico, this could be an incredibly promising game for them.

Team News

Yuri and Cordoba will feature despite being one booking away from a suspension, whereas Lekue has been ruled out and Villalibre is doubtful.

Atletico Madrid

After years of mixing it up with Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table, Atletico have seen a drop in their fortunes this season as they currently reside in 6th place – 13 points off the pace of the leaders. They’ve still been able to cause quite the stir in the Champions League, knocking out defending champions Liverpool, but fans are restless for some joy in La Liga. If they want to send a message to the rest of the division, they really need to go out there and put on a clinic against Bilbao.

Team News

Felix is suspended after picking up a landmark booking in Atletico’s last game, Vrsaljko is out of action through injury and Vitolo is a doubt for the trip.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, A. Madrid beat Bilbao 2-0.
• Bilbao have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• A. Madrid have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Bilbao have scored eight goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• A. Madrid have scored 12 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

It’s pure guesswork to try and figure out how this game, or any game across La Liga’s return this weekend, is going to go. Some teams will look great courtesy of the break and others are going to look rusty, but in this instance, we believe Atletico are going to come flying out of the blocks. We think they’ll pressure Bilbao early on, score a few goals and sit on the lead – giving their campaign a sorely needed injection of life.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: bet365