Real Madrid to seal narrow win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid - 03/02/2022

Copa del Rey | Preview

01/02/22

Real Madrid to seal narrow win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals

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Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid are just a few weeks removed from their Supercopa de Espana Final fixture. Los Blancos claimed 2-0 win in the cup final to lift the trophy over Athletic Bilbao.

Now, the two sides will face off again as they meet on Thursday night in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Real Madrid are on a four-match winning streak in all competitions versus Athletic Bilbao.

™ Trademark goals!
💥 @lukamodric10
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— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 1, 2022

Carlo Ancelotti is targeting any and all trophies Los Blancos are battling for.

Real Madrid last won the Copa del Rey in 2014 when Ancelotti was the team’s manager. Los Blancos are the current favourites to lift the trophy as Barcelona were eliminated from the competition in the round of 16.

Which club knocked out Barcelona? Of course, it was Athletic Bilbao. The Lions won 3-2 after extra-time in the round of 16 to set up their match at San Mames versus Real Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao’s last win against Real Madrid was in 2019 in the Supercopa de Espana. Fifteen of the last 16 matches in all competitions between these clubs finished without a defeat for Real Madrid. Eight of those 16 games ended with over 2.5 goals tallied.

Real Madrid go into the Copa del Rey match unbeaten in six straight games. Los Blancos reached the quarterfinals of the cup with a 3-1 win over Alcoyano and a win in extra-time against Elche.

Athletic Bilbao reach the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over Atletico Mancha Real and a 3-2 win over Barcelona in extra-time.

The Lions have a record of 4W-3D-4L in 11 matches at home this season. Real Madrid’s away record is 12W-2D-2L in all competitions.

Marcelino has four players on the Athletic Bilbao injured list going into the game. Forward Iker Munian tested postive for COVID-19 and is a doubt.

Midfielder Oihan Sancet is ruled out with a knee problem. Midfielder Unai Vencedor and Asier Villalibre could both return from hamstring injuries.

Ancelotti could be without five players for the arrival of Athletic. Defender Ferland Mendy and defender Jesus Vallejo are both suffering from muscle injuries and could miss out.

Forwards Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Sergio Arribas are doubts.

Neither Real Madrid nor Athletic Bilbao made any signings in January. In Real Madrid’s case, they are planning to sign Kylian Mbappe in the summer on a free transfer, so the potential move kept them from adding to the squad.

Real Madrid are on a good run of form and will pick up a win at San Mames versus Athletic Bilbao. Fifteen of the teams’ last 16 matches ended in wins for Madrid.

Although Athletic Club are a cup team, they will fall to defeat at home versus Real Madrid with over 2.5 goals scored.

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