Real Madrid will face Athletic Club in Bilbao this weekend without Karim Benzema, August 12th. Will Athletic Bilbao be able to surprise Los Blancos on the first weekend of the new season as they host them? Find out our La Liga predictions, betting tips, and the latest odds for this match in our detailed preview below.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Match Details:
12/08/23 – 20:30
ATHLETIC BILBAO – REAL MADRID
1st Round:Spain Primera Liga – San Mames Stadium
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Match Head to Head:
Real Madrid has a strong record against Athletic Bilbao, winning 37 out of the last 55 matches between the two teams. In contrast, Athletic Bilbao has only achieved 10 victories. Furthermore, Athletic Bilbao has won just two of their last 36 matches against Real Madrid in La Liga and failed to score in six of their last nine encounters. Additionally, Athletic Bilbao has suffered defeat in each of their last four home games against Real Madrid in La Liga – this is their worst run at the San Mames against a single opponent in the competition.
In the recent five head-to-head matches between the two teams, Real Madrid has won three, drawn one, and lost one.
Real Madrid’s team has recorded 2 wins and 3 losses in their recent five matches.
Athletic Bilbao has achieved 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 loss in their recent five matches.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Match Preview:
Despite only just failing to qualify for Europe last year – Athletic Bilbao have always finishing eight in their five years in La Liga – they do come up against a tough run of games in their pursuit of Europa League spots for the 2025-26 season.
The club’s strict Basque-only transfer policy poses difficulties in strengthening their squad during each transfer window. – but they did manage to secure two recruits this summer, bringing Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta from Mallorca and Javier Marton from Real Sociedad B away.
The team wrapped up their preseason preparations with a 1-1 friendly draw against Manchester United in Dublin. The predicted lineup for Athletic Bilbao includes Simon in goal, De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, and Lekue in defense, Vesga, de Galarreta, N. Williams, Sancet, and Muniain in midfield, with I. Williams leading the attack.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe continues, and there is a possibility of the Frenchman joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain before the summer transfer window closes, which would be a significant signing for the team.
In terms of transfers, Real Madrid has made four signings so far: Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Fran Garcia on permanent deals, while Joselu has joined on loan from Espanyol for the new season. Brahim Diaz has also returned to the club after a loan spell at AC Milan.
Although Real Madrid fell short in La Liga and the Champions League last season, they did manage to win the Copa del Rey. This season will be intriguing as they navigate without Karim Benzema, who surprisingly left the club to move to Saudi Arabia.
Finishing 10 points behind Barcelona in La Liga last season, Real Madrid recognizes the importance of a strong start, with the two Clasico rivals expected to compete for the title once again.
Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid has been experimenting with a new formation during preseason. They have played four friendlies, securing victories against AC Milan and Manchester United but suffering defeats against Barcelona and Juventus.
Ferland Mendy and Arda Guler are likely to miss Saturday’s game for Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham is expected to make his first La Liga start, while Joselu could feature in the front line.
The predicted lineup for Real Madrid includes Courtois in goal, Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, and Alaba in defense, Modric, Bellingham, and Camavinga in midfield, with Valverde, Vinicius, and Joselu leading the attack.
Athletic Bilbao odds: 2.26
Draw odds: 2.38
Real Madrid odds: 1.07
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Betting Tips:
1. Result – Real Madrid
Prediction: Real Madrid will win the match.
2. Over 2.5 goals in the game – Yes
Prediction: The game will have three or more goals scored in total.
3. Real Madrid to score first – Yes
Prediction: Real Madrid will be the first team to score a goal in the match.
4. Vinicius Junior to score – Yes
Prediction: Vinicius Junior will score a goal during the game.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Match Predcition:
Real Madrid have struggled with inconsistency in the past year. Players like Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have the ability to win matches on their own and will be eager to make an impact this weekend. Athletic Bilbao has shown improvement under Ernesto Valverde, although they have had a decline in performance over the last three months.
Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid