12th August 2023 – 21:30, Estadio San Mames, Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao will take on Real Madrid in the closing match of Saturday’s La Liga action. The hosts hope to stay undefeated against the title contender, while the away side looks forward to a positive start in the title race.
Athletic Bilbao Preview & Team News
Bilbao enters the new campaign after missing the continental qualification last time out. After picking up one point in the final three rounds of the 2022/23 season, they let Osasuna take over the Europa Conference League quals spot. Ernesto Valverde can count almost on the same squad as in the previous season since Athletic hasn’t been much active on the transfer market. Inigo Martinez left the club, while the home side fans hope that Aymeric Laporte will return to Estadio San Mames. The hosts have a tough task at the beginning of the season, but they will try to stay undefeated.
Real Madrid Preview & Team News
Real Madrid has been one of the most interesting clubs to follow during the season break. Los Blancos enter the new era without their icon, Karim Benzema, who decided to join Al Ittihad from Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, they decided to bring fresh forces in the likes of Jude Bellingham for the €103 million transfer fee and Arda Guler. Real Madrid managed to beat the fierce competition for the signing of the young Turkish international, which is projected as the next big thing in football. However, Los Blancos still haven’t brought a decent replacement for Benzema, and Joselu remains their first choice in the final third. Moreover, Thibaut Courtois suffered a severe injury and will probably miss the entire season. That’s why this will be a tricky match for the last season’s runners-up, but they hope to get all three points.
Full-Time Winner Odds & Prediction
Real Madrid has been quite successful in Bilbao over the past few seasons, as they lost at Estadio San Mames last time in 2015. However, Athletic can pose many troubles, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the home side remains undefeated in this clash.
Goals Market Prediction
Los Blancos still don’t have a decent replacement for their injured goalie, and they need to react fast on the market. Bilbao could take advantage of this situation, and we expect both teams to find the back of the opponent’s net on Saturday evening.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid
Want to bet with another sportsbook? Choose one of these!
18+ Please Gamble responsibly! Visit begambleaware.com
*GEO restrictions may apply