Real Madrid Faces Athletic Bilbao in Crucial La Liga Clash After Champions League Exit

Spanish La Liga  -  Real Madrid VS Athletic Bilbao
Match Time:21-04-2025 03:00 Monday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Real Madrid will return to La Liga action after their Champions League quarter-final exit, facing Athletic Bilbao at home. Despite being eliminated by Arsenal with a 5-1 aggregate loss, Madrid looks to refocus on their league campaign. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao advanced to the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Rangers in their last-eight tie.

Team Analysis:
Real Madrid faces a crucial match against Athletic Bilbao after their disappointing 5-1 Champions League defeat to Arsenal, which has led to speculation about Carlo Ancelotti’s future. Despite this setback, Madrid still aims for a domestic double, with the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona approaching. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao secured a Europa League semi-final spot after defeating Rangers 2-0, setting up an exciting clash with Manchester United.

Player Situation:
Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe due to a one-match suspension, while Eduardo Camavinga returns after serving a suspension. Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin may return, but Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal remain out. Rodrygo is likely to play in Mbappe's place, with Brahim Diaz and Fran Garcia potentially starting. Federico Valverde may play right-back, and Antonio Rudiger will feature in central defense.
Athletic Bilbao may be without Inaki Williams, who is recovering from an adductor injury, and Yuri Berchiche remains a doubt. However, Benat Prados, Gorka Guruzeta, Unai Simon, Aitor Paredes, and Andoni Gorosabel are expected to return to the lineup.

Result Prediction:
Athletic Bilbao has been strong on the road this season, losing only three of their 15 away league matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has been struggling recently, making a home victory uncertain. A 2-2 draw is predicted, which would put Real Madrid in a challenging position in the title race.

Predicted Result: Real Madrid 2-2 Athletic Bilbao