Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperately seeking an essential boost on Sunday night, Real Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, watching their Champions League adventure come to an infamous end earlier in the week falling a 5-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Arsenal, Real Madrid find themselves at the heart of a major rut. With Carlo Ancelotti now expected to be on his way out of the Bernabeu, Los Blancos have come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway sat four points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona, Madrid have now lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Valencia on April 5th as they fell to a 2-1 defeat, Ancelotti’s squad have also continued to show some worrying defensive issues. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a sole clean sheet at the Bernabeu so far this season.
Real Madrid Team News
Shown a straight red card against Alaves last weekend following what was a horror challenge, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, all still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Real Madrid will once again be without the trio of Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy.
Bagging what was nothing more than a consolation strike against Arsenal earlier in the week, Vinicius Junior will shoulder plenty of Madrid’s attacking threat. Luka Modric could be handed a full recall on Sunday night and start in the middle of the park.
Athletic Bilbao
As for the visitors, extending on their Europa League adventure on Thursday night and booking a semi-final spot thanks to a 2-0 victory against Rangers, Athletic Bilbao have continued to shine this season. Leading the chase to book a famous Champions League ticket, Ernesto Valverde’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Heading into March’s international break with an eye-catching 1-0 win away at Sevilla, the former Barcelona boss should be relishing a trip to Madrid here. Last seen in La Liga action storming their way to a routine 3-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano, Bilbao are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. It should also be highlighted, Sunday’s guests secured a stellar 2-1 win when they welcomed Los Blancos to San Mames for their reverse La Liga showdown on December 4th.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Still dealing with a recent thigh issue and once again missing out against Rangers earlier in the week, veteran defender Yuri Berchiche remains a doubt on Sunday night. However, aside from the one-time PSG star, Valverde’s side have reported a clean bill of health.
Bagging a fifth Europa League goal of the season on Thursday night and once again attracting plenty of heavyweight Premier League interest, Nico Williams will play a leading role in the final third. Returning from a muscle injury this month, Dani Vivian will start at the heart of Bilbao’s defence.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao met for their reverse La Liga meeting on December 4th, the Lions collected a famous 2-1 win at San Mames.
- Real Madrid have lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- Los Blancos have failed to record a single clean sheet at the Bernabeu so far this calendar year.
- Athletic Bilbao are unbeaten in all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
- All of Madrid’s last six showdowns at the Bernabeu have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Athletic Bilbao might travel to the Spanish capital on Sunday night pencilled in as a landslide underdog, Valverde’s men will be confident of springing another public upset. Landing a famous 2-1 victory when they welcomed Real Madrid to San Mames for their reverse La Liga meeting on December 4th, the Lions are more than capable of asking some real questions. With Los Blancos continuing to show some glaring defensive issues, it should also be noted that each of their last six matchups at the Bernabeu have finished with both teams finding the net.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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