Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: La Liga Preview

The reigning Spanish champions endured a chastening European midweek, falling to a 2-1 defeat in the second leg against Arsenal, which confirmed a 5-1 aggregate loss in the Champions League quarter-finals. Ancelotti’s side were second-best across both legs, and with just one win in their last five matches in all competitions, the pressure is mounting on the Italian ahead of a pivotal few weeks.

However, Real Madrid are still firmly in contention for silverware on the domestic front. They sit second in La Liga, four points adrift of Barcelona, and have a Copa del Rey final against their arch-rivals coming up on April 26. Victory on Sunday would not only help close the gap at the top but also serve as a morale boost heading into a defining stretch of the campaign.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Real Madrid boast a commanding home record against Athletic Bilbao, going unbeaten in the last 19 league meetings at the Bernabéu (W16, D3) – their longest such run against the Basque side in La Liga history. They also claimed a 2-0 win in last season's corresponding fixture, with Rodrygo scoring both goals.

However, Athletic had the upper hand in the reverse fixture this season, earning a 2-1 win at San Mamés back in December. Ernesto Valverde’s side have quietly put together an excellent campaign and come into this clash fourth in the table, six points ahead of Villarreal in fifth and looking strong in their pursuit of a Champions League place.

The visitors are also riding high after a 2-0 win over Rangers on Thursday that booked their spot in the Europa League semi-finals, where they’ll meet Manchester United. Despite having less rest time than their hosts, Athletic are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions (W4, D4), with five clean sheets during that run.

Team News

Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappé, who is suspended following his red card in the previous league fixture against Alavés. In better news, Eduardo Camavinga returns from European suspension, while Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin remain doubts. Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries.

Rodrygo is expected to lead the line in Mbappé’s absence, potentially flanked by Brahim Díaz and Vinícius Júnior, while Fran García could be preferred at left-back. Federico Valverde may shift to right-back to help contain Nico Williams.

For Athletic Club, Inaki Williams remains a doubt due to an adductor issue and was an unused substitute against Rangers. Yuri Berchiche is also a major concern due to a muscle injury. However, Unai Simón, Aitor Paredes, Benat Prados, Gorka Guruzeta, and Andoni Gorosabel are all likely to return to the starting XI after being rested or rotated in midweek.

Players to Watch

• Rodrygo – The Brazilian has scored three La Liga goals against Athletic, second only to his tally against Sevilla (4). He netted both goals in last season’s home win.
• Oihan Sancet – The attacking midfielder recently scored Athletic’s 5000th La Liga goal and is enjoying his best season to date with 15 goals in all competitions.

Stat to Note

Athletic Bilbao have only won once in their last eight away matches in all competitions (D4, L3), and manager Ernesto Valverde has lost more La Liga games to Real Madrid (15) than against any other club.

With both sides still fighting for major end-of-season prizes, and Real Madrid eager to respond after their European exit, all eyes will be on the Bernabéu for what promises to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the La Liga weekend.