Real Madrid will be eager to get back to winning ways when they host Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. With Barcelona leading by seven points, Real Madrid can’t afford any slip-ups in their chase for the La Liga title.
Recent Form
Real Madrid are currently second in the league with 66 points from 31 matches. After dropping points against Valencia, they returned to winning form against Deportivo Alaves, though their performance was not convincing. Following their exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Los Blancos will now fully focus on the league and Copa del Rey titles.
Athletic Club are pushing for Champions League qualification, currently fourth with 57 points from 31 games. They are well-positioned to secure a top-five spot and a Champions League berth, sitting nine points ahead of sixth-placed Real Betis. The team is on a five-match unbeaten run, though three of those matches ended in draws. They head into this fixture boosted by their Europa League semi-final qualification.
Team News & Tactics
Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is suspended following his red card in the last league game. Eduardo Camavinga is available again after serving his suspension. While Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin may return to the squad, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined. Real Madrid is expected to use a 4-4-2 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. Federico Valverde and Fran Garcia will be the full-backs, while Raul Asencio partners with Antonio Rudiger in central defense. Camavinga and Dani Ceballos will control the midfield, with Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz on the flanks. Rodrygo Goes will partner with Vinicius Junior in attack.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Brahim Diaz, Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Athletic Club
Inaki Williams is unlikely to be risked due to an adductor injury. Yuri Berchiche is also a doubt with a muscular issue. Athletic Club will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Andoni Gorosabel and Inigo Lekue will be the full-backs, with Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes at center-back. Mikel Jauregizar and Benat Prados will form the midfield pivot, while Oihan Sancet plays as the number ten. Alejandro Berenguer and Nico Williams will provide width, and Gorka Guruzeta will lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Lekue; Jauregizar, Prados; Berenguer, Sancet, Nico Williams; Guruzeta.
Key Stats
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The two teams have met 247 times, with Real Madrid winning 123 matches and Athletic Club winning 79.
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Real Madrid has only won one of their last five matches across all competitions.
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Athletic Club won the reverse fixture 2-1 at San Mames in December.
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Athletic Club are aiming for their third straight win in all competitions.
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The last time Real Madrid hosted Athletic Club, they secured a 2-0 victory at the Bernabeu.
Player to Watch: Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season, contributing to 34 goals in 45 matches. Despite Real Madrid’s recent struggles, Vinicius has worked hard. Although he only has three goals in his last 12 league games, he will be eager to improve his form and deliver a strong performance.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Prediction
Real Madrid 2-1 Athletic Club
Real Madrid’s need for a win and home advantage should give them the edge in a tight contest against a strong Athletic Club side.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Live Stream
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