Can Real Madrid get back to winning ways versus Athletic Bilbao?
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao - 22/12/2019
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Real Madrid have drawn back to back La Liga fixtures and go into round 18 level on points with Barcelona for first place in the division. Los Blancos are second due to an inferior goal difference but could move into first place with a positive result and Barcelona loss at the weekend.
Standing in Real Madrid’s way of a win will be Athletic Bilbao. The Basque club are eighth in La Liga and after a strong start to the season, have collected just one point from their last six available.
Three points separate Athletic Bilbao from the top four and a win could take them level with fourth-place Getafe depending on results elsewhere this weekend.
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid are on a great run of form and unbeaten in their last 12 fixtures in all competitions. Los Blancos’ record versus Athletic Bilbao over their last 10 meetings has been excellent. Athletic Bilbao have won just once against Real Madrid in their last 10 matches.
That one victory came March 2015 in La Liga play. Athletic Bilbao collected a 1-0 home victory on that day. Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu has been difficult over the years for Athletic Bilbao.
The Basque side hasn’t won at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2005. That day saw Athletic win 2-0 versus Real Madrid. The win was so long ago that current Real Madrid manager Zidane was on the pitch that day for Los Blancos in midfield.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in nine of 10 matches versus Athletic Bilbao with six of those fixtures ending in wins. Prior to last season’s 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, the two clubs had drawn three consecutive fixtures.
Los Blancos are coming off of a nil-nil stalemate with Barcelona. Injuries could be a factor on Sunday when Athletic Bilbao arrive after the gruelling El Clasico that Real Madrid dominated.
James Rodriguez should miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury. He joins Marco Asensio on the sidelines with a serious knee issue. Lucas Vazquez is also sidelined with a toe injury.
Eden Hazard is ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a micro-fracture of his right ankle. Full-back Marcelo is out due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, midfielder Casemiro is ruled out due to a suspension.
The injuries and problems are piling up, but Zidane still has the squad to compete with Barcelona and win the league. Athletic Bilbao will be a tough test, but the home side should get past them with a win.
Six of the last 10 matches between the teams have finished with both teams scoring. Six matches in the last 10 have also seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Expect a Real Madrid win, both teams to score, and over 2.5 goals going into the back of the nets.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
Es1
543016
1
3 - 1
3.41
11°
1.34
1.34
5.30
9.20
-1
1
1
0 - 0(0 - 0)
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