Verdict: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Wednesday night, Real Madrid will make the trip to San Mamés when they face off against Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao
Starting with the hosts, after managing to land what was a much-needed victory over the weekend, there is no doubt that Athletic Bilbao will be desperate to build off of that display. Shocking some across Spain as they landed a 3-2 win against Real Betis at San Mamés, Head Coach Marcelino has made it clear that he is calling on his squad to find some stability. While Los Leones might still be hanging onto their spot in the top-half of the La Liga table, the Basque Country-based outfit have recorded just a single win in their last nine attempts. With their recent inconsistent run stemming all the way back to October 23rd, Bilbao could also be worried by their continued issues against the Spanish giants. Hit with a deserved 1-0 loss when they last made the trip to the capital back in January, Marcelino’s men have managed to win just one of their last 14 straight meetings against Los Blancos, a run that goes all the way back to 2015.
Team News
In what is a real boost for Bilbao on Wednesday night, Dani Garcia will make his return after serving a suspension.
However, the likes of Asier Villalibre, Dani Vivian, Peru Nolaskoaik, Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Martinez and Unai Simon will miss out here.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, after having to settle for what would have been a disappointing 0-0 stalemate at home against Cadiz, Real Madrid will certainly be seeking an immediate boost here. Nevertheless, despite dropping points over the weekend, Los Blancos still find themselves firmly leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table. Tipped as a landslide pick to reclaim their domestic crown this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will make the trip to San Mamés on Wednesday night holding a six-point buffer over the chasing pack. Smelling the chance to lay down a real marker on their travels in midweek, it should also be noted that Madrid’s returning boss finds his side enjoying a remarkable unbeaten run. In fact, the Whites are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight outings, a run that stems all the way back to October 3rd. Gaining a reputation for their continued displays at the back and going over 500 minutes without picking the ball out of their own net, the mood in Ancelotti’s camp should be at a real high.
Team News
Rodrygo, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Andriy Lunin and Marcelo will all miss out on Wednesday night after returning positive COVID-19 tests.
Likewise, dealing with a muscle injury, Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal is a doubt here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off back in January, Real Madrid picked up a 1-0 victory on home soil.
- Likewise, Los Blancos have lost just one of their last 14 straight meetings against Bilbao, a run that goes all the way back to 2015.
- Wednesday’s guests have gone over 500 minutes without picking the ball out of their own net.
- Last weekend’s 3-2 victory against Real Betis was Athletic Bilbao’s first win from their last nine attempts.
- Real Madrid are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight outings, a run that stems all the way back to October 3rd.
Conclusion
While Real Madrid would have been disappointed to have dropped points against Cadiz last weekend, there is no doubt that Los Blancos will be seeking an immediate response here. Storming their way to the top of the La Liga table and still holding a six-point buffer over the chasing pack, Wednesday’s guests are enjoying a hugely impressive 14-match unbeaten run. Continuing to shine with their performances at the back, they will also be boosted by their stellar record against Bilbao. Claiming a deserved 1-0 win when the two sides last faced off back in January, the midweek guests have lost just a single meeting against Marcelino’s men since 2015.
Verdict: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
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