Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 47/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
San Mames is set to host an exciting clash in Spain’s top flight on Sunday afternoon as fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao prepares to face third-placed Atletico Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao heads into the La Liga encounter following a 1-1 draw against struggling Granada in their previous match. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 victory against the league’s bottom side, Almeria, in their most recent game at this level.
Athletic Bilbao
The Athletic Bilbao versus Granada match began on Sunday but was halted in the 17th minute due to a tragic incident – a supporter’s death inside the stadium. At that time, Granada held a 1-0 lead, with Inaki Williams scoring in the sixth minute.
The game resumed on Monday from the 18th-minute mark. Granada managed to equalize thanks to an own goal by Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta early in the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This outcome placed Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic side in fifth place in the table with 29 points.
Bilbao are currently five points behind fourth-placed Barcelona and third-placed Atletico Madrid. However, Atletico have a crucial game in hand over both rivals.
Remarkably, Athletic Bilbao remain undefeated in all competitions since their 1-0 loss to Barcelona in La Liga on October 22. They’ve shown an impressive run, winning five out of their last seven matches, and displaying the potential to contend for a top-four spot in the league this season.
Valverde’s team has only suffered one loss at home in the league this season, a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in their opening match of the campaign.
Team News
Athletic Bilbao will continue to miss Mikel Vesga, Malcom Adu, Dani Garcia, and Yeray Alvarez for the upcoming match. Additionally, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is undergoing a late fitness assessment due to a muscular issue.
Ander Herrera might be included in the midfield lineup. The attacking quartet seems settled, with Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Nico Williams supporting Gorka Guruzeta up front.
The defensive back four is expected to remain unchanged from the previous match against Granada, with Oscar de Marcos available despite being substituted last time out.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid head into this match after securing a 2-0 victory over Lazio in the Champions League, booking their place in the last-16 stage as Group E winners.
In their recent La Liga match, Diego Simeone’s team narrowly defeated Almeria with a 2-0 scoreline, courtesy of goals from Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa, despite an unconvincing performance.
The Rojiblancos boast a league record of 11 wins, one draw, and three losses from their 15 matches this season, accumulating 34 points and currently holding the third position in the table. They trail league leaders Girona by seven points but have a game in hand, fueling belief within the club and amongst the fanbase in a potential title challenge this season.
However, Atletico’s away form this season has been inconsistent. All three of their league defeats have occurred on their travels, facing losses against Valencia, Las Palmas, and Barcelona.
While Simeone’s men emerged victorious in both league encounters against Athletic last season with 1-0 wins home and away, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in April 2022. As for this game, Bilbao will have had more time to prepare for what promises to be an intriguing and competitive contest.
Team News
Pablo Barrios, Thomas Lemar, and Vitolo are still unavailable due to injuries, but apart from them, Atletico are in good shape ahead of the upcoming match.
Simeone will conduct a final assessment on the fitness of the players who featured in the Lazio game. In the previous match, there were no forced changes, although Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez were substituted at halftime to allow playing time for Memphis Depay and Caglar Soyuncu.
Morata, who was on the bench during the European fixture, is set to return to the starting lineup for this match. Similarly, Koke and Marcos Llorente are also likely to be part of the starting XI.
Conclusion
Looking at the contest generally, Atletico have more quality in their ranks, but their mid-week European exploits, coupled with their inconsistencies away from the Wanda Metropolitano, will make it hard for them to go to San Mames and win. A share of the spoils feels far more likely than either team winning.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 47/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
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