La Liga - Athletic Bilbao VS Real Madrid Prediction

Spanish La Liga  -  Athletic Bilbao VS Real Madrid
Match Time:05-12-2024 04:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Team Analysis
Athletic Bilbao is currently enjoying a strong run, remaining unbeaten in their last nine matches, which has bolstered their position in the league standings. Recently, they secured a comeback victory against Rayo Vallecano, showcasing their resilience and attacking capabilities, particularly through standout performances from players like Oihan Sancet. Playing at home in San Mamés, they have not lost since August, making them a formidable opponent. Their defense is solid, conceding an average of only 0.9 goals per game, which presents a significant challenge for any visiting team.

Real Madrid has experienced inconsistencies this season, and despite a recent victory over Getafe, questions remain about Carlo Ancelotti's future as head coach. The team has been plagued with injuries, notably missing key players such as Vinícius Júnior and David Alaba, which has affected their overall performance. Although they lead the league in points lost, they still remain competitive. Their record in away games has been generally strong, but the current injury situation poses a risk as they face a resilient Athletic side.

Head-to-Head
Historically, Real Madrid has held a significant advantage over Athletic Bilbao, with 98 victories in their 186 encounters. However, recent matches have been more balanced, with both teams often finding the net. Notably, Athletic has faced difficulties against Real Madrid in recent seasons, losing most of their recent meetings. The last two encounters ended with Real Madrid winning both by a score of 2-0.

Prediction
The prediction for this match leans towards a 1-1 draw. While Real Madrid's historical strength suggests they could be favorites, Athletic's current form and home advantage make them a tough opponent. The match is expected to be competitive, with both teams likely to score. Given the defensive capabilities of Athletic and the injury issues facing Real Madrid, a low-scoring game with a total under 3.5 goals is also a reasonable consideration. Overall, this fixture promises to be an engaging contest between two sides with contrasting current form.

Pick: Athletic Bilbao will not lose