The LaLiga 2024-25 season is heating up as Athletic Bilbao hosts Real Madrid on December 4 at San Mamés, Bilbao. This match is set to be an electrifying clash given both teams’ ambitions in the league. Athletic Bilbao sits comfortably in 6th place with 23 points, achieved through 6 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. Meanwhile, Real Madrid holds the 3rd spot with 30 points, courtesy of 9 wins, 3 draws, and a single loss. Despite some recent hiccups, including a Champions League defeat to Liverpool, Athletic enjoys a seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions. With San Mamés being a fortress for them, Athletic aims to leverage this home advantage to edge out Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s attack is spearheaded by Vinícius Júnior, with 8 goals, and supported by Kylian Mbappé’s impressive 7 goals. However, injuries cloud their participation. In contrast, Athletic’s offensive threat comes from Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams, ready to challenge Real Madrid. With their solid home form, Athletic hopes to gain an upper hand against their prestigious rivals.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Prediction & Betting Tip
| Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Athletic Bilbao to win | 3.9 |
As the teams prepare for this exciting matchup, Athletic Bilbao’s unbeaten streak and strong home performance make them a solid bet for victory. Real Madrid faces form fluctuations, coupled with the absence of key players like Vinícius Júnior and Eduardo Camavinga due to injuries. With Athletic looking to attack Real’s vulnerable defense, the odds favor Bilbao securing a win.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Odds
The odds paint a picture of this intriguing fixture. Bookmakers position Athletic Bilbao as underdogs when facing the might of Real Madrid. Yet, recent forms suggest a close contest, emphasizing the uncertainty thanks to Real’s injury struggles.
| Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Athletic Bilbao Win | 3.9 |
| Draw | 3.6 |
| Real Madrid Win | 2.0 |
Though Real Madrid are favorites, the challenge posed by Athletic’s solid home performance and defense implies a possibly low-scoring bout, with Bilbao aiming to contain Real’s powerful attack.
Athletic Bilbao Team Analysis
Athletic Bilbao Recent Performance
Athletic Bilbao is riding a wave, unbeaten in their last seven games in LaLiga and the Europa League. Their determination shone in a victory against Real Sociedad at home. This form fuels their ambition for a top-four finish.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Bilbao | Real Sociedad | 2-1 Win |
| Athletic Bilbao | Osasuna | 1-1 Draw |
| Sevilla | Athletic Bilbao | 1-1 Draw |
| Athletic Bilbao | Villarreal | 3-0 Win |
| Valencia | Athletic Bilbao | 0-0 Draw |
Their recent matches demonstrate their strong defense, often recording clean sheets, which could be crucial against Real Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao Key Players
Athletic’s attack is powered by Oihan Sancet, their top scorer, and Iñaki Williams, known for his speed and assists. Their combined efforts have been vital this season.
Defensively, Unai Simón shines in goal, supported by Daniel Vivian and Andoni Gorosabel who protect against opposition threats. Midfield dynamism is provided by Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, offering aggression and control, and Nico Williams adds creativity from the flanks.
Athletic Bilbao Suspensions & Injuries
| Athletic Bilbao Player | Injury Status | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| No significant suspensions | ||
| or injuries reported |
Currently, coach Ernesto Valverde has a full squad at his disposal, which bodes well for their tactics and depth.
Athletic Bilbao Tactics and Formation
Valverde employs a 4-2-3-1 setup, offering defensive strength and attacking opportunities through possession play. His full-backs often push forward, injecting speed into attacks.
This approach allows Bilbao to exploit Real Madrid’s defensive issues amid their injury woes. Bilbao’s high pressing could frustrate Real, and counter-attacks might provide the decisive edge.
Real Madrid Team Analysis
Real Madrid Recent Performance
Real Madrid’s recent performances have been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency, affected by various factors in both domestic and international arenas.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Liverpool | 1-2 Loss |
| Real Madrid | Valladolid | 4-1 Win |
| Barcelona | Real Madrid | 1-1 Draw |
| Real Madrid | Almería | 3-0 Win |
| Atletico Madrid | Real Madrid | 3-2 Loss |
Their attack remains potent, led by Mbappé, but defensive stability is a concern, highlighting the need for tactical discipline.
Real Madrid Key Players
With key players out, Kylian Mbappé takes the lead in Real Madrid’s attack. Midfield stars Luka Modric and Federico Valverde provide vital support.
Jude Bellingham adds energy in midfield, but injuries affecting players like Dani Carvajal stress their defense, necessitating adaptive strategies.
Real Madrid Suspensions & Injuries
Real Madrid’s injury list is a challenge, impacting squad depth and rotation:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Dani Carvajal | Cruciate ligaments | Early September 2025 |
| Eder Militao | Cruciate ligament | Out for season |
| David Alaba | Cruciate ligament | Early January 2025 |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Hamstring | Mid-December 2024 |
| Vinícius Júnior | Thigh | Mid-December 2024 |
Young talents may have to step up, testing Real’s resilience under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance.
Real Madrid Tactics and Formation
Ancelotti favors a 4-3-3, focused on pressing and ball control. Mbappé, pending his fitness, is crucial to their offensive strategy.
Defending will be a test given current player injuries, and Real Madrid could adjust defensively to counter Athletic’s high press.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated, yet Bilbao, especially at San Mamés, remains a tough nut to crack.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2-0 Win |
| Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0-2 Loss |
| Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1-1 Draw |
While Real Madrid often comes out on top, Bilbao’s home advantage could turn the tide.
Venue and Weather
San Mamés in Bilbao provides an exciting backdrop for this match. Known for its intense atmosphere, it promises to lift Athletic’s spirits. The weather forecasts a mild December night with light rain, likely affecting pitch conditions. By 9:00 PM, temperatures are expected around 12°C, which could speed up play on a damp surface.
With only mild breezes expected, long defensive passes remain stable, suggesting tactical cautiousness might prevail initially, focusing on secure ball handling to avoid mistakes. The setting favors Bilbao fans, encouraging them as they face a formidable yet vulnerable Real Madrid.
Overall, this clash is set to be captivating, mixing stakes, tension, and the thrill of LaLiga football. Both teams aim to make a significant impact, enhancing an already dramatic season.
