This is expected to be one of the most interesting fixtures of the 32nd round of LaLiga, at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, the home of Real Madrid.
What We Know
- First matchup: Athletic Bilbao - Real Madrid 2-1
- Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last six home games against Bilbao in the league (4 wins and 2 draws). Bilbao's last win in Madrid came 20 years ago (February 19, 2005).
- Three straight BTTS in Real Madrid’s last three games.
- Bilbao has a 1-2-2 record in their last 5 away games, 4 of them seeing under 2.5 goals.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid were not particularly impressive in the away win at Alaves, despite earning the three points through Camavinga’s 34th-minute winner. The Frenchman converted on a powerful strike from outside the box for his first goal in all competitions this season.
However, the game was overshadowed by the straight red card awarded to Real Madrid star and top scorer Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman recklessly challenged an opponent, albeit unintentionally, and the VAR sent him off.
The referee did not consider this an intentional action, and the league announced that Mbappe will be suspended for only a single game, specifically for the 32nd round against Bilbao. Only two defeats for Madrid this year at home, having scored in all their games at the Bernabeu.
Seven straight games with BTTS & over 2.5 goals at home in all competitions, including the defeat from Arsenal in the Champions League this Wednesday. Real Madrid will face Getafe next week, before taking on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final later in April.
Athletic Bilbao
The previous match was a comeback win for Athletic against Rayo Vallecano at home. The final score was 3-1. Rayo took the lead in the 37th minute with Ciss, right after goalkeeper Simon saved a penalty. The Basque did, however, dominate the second half, led by Sancet, who scored twice (58’, 90+4’).
He came off the bench and scored the first one with a penalty, bookending the score by Nico Williams in the 80th minute that gave Bilbao the lead.
The game against Rayo was the first one to see over 2.5 goals after five games. Thursday’s comfortable 2-0 win against Rangers proved the low-scoring trend for the Bilbao matches.
Athletic suffered only three away defeats this year, compared to six wins and six draws. The Bilbao team is firmly entrenched in fourth with 57 points, facing Las Palmas next week.
Betting Tip: Real Madrid - Athletic Bilbao
This will be a challenging game for both teams, especially considering their mid-week European clashes. Real will fight for the title to the very end after being knocked out of the Champions League, while Bilbao are looking to secure their presence in next season’s Champions League. We are going with Real Madrid WIN.
- Prediction: Real Madrid WIN
- Odds: 1.67 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 5
