Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid: 2024 La Liga Match Preview

As the 2024 La Liga season heats up, one of the most anticipated fixtures is the clash between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at the iconic San Mames Stadium. With both teams vying for crucial points in the league, this match promises to be an exhilarating encounter.

Current Standings and Form

Real Madrid enters this match in second place, closely trailing league leaders Barcelona. They have shown resilience in the league, winning three consecutive matches without conceding. In contrast, Athletic Bilbao currently occupies the fourth position, aiming for Champions League qualification after a strong run of form, winning seven and drawing five of their 15 matches this season.

Recent Performances

• Athletic Bilbao:

  • Last 5 Matches: W, D, D, D, W
  • Last Match: A thrilling 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, where Oihan Sancet scored both goals.
  • Unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, they have harnessed the momentum from their recent performances.

• Real Madrid:

  • Last 5 Matches: W, W, L, W, W
  • Last Match: A dominant 2-0 win over Getafe, highlighted by goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
  • Despite recent struggles in the Champions League, they remain a force in domestic competition.

Predicted Lineups

Both teams have made adjustments as they prepare for this critical match.

• Real Madrid's Predicted XI:
  Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Fran Garcia; Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Mbappe, Rodrygo.

• Athletic Bilbao's Starting XI:
  Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Yeray, Vivian, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.

The absence of Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid due to injuries is a key factor that could affect their performance, while Ander Herrera's hamstring injury leaves a gap in Athletic's midfield.

Match Dynamics

San Mames is known for its electric atmosphere, and Athletic Madrid traditionally performs well on home soil. They have not lost to Real Madrid in their last 26 home league matches, making this a significant challenge for Los Blancos.

Historical Context

Real Madrid has dominated their recent encounters with Athletic Bilbao, winning their last five away matches, including a 2-0 victory last season at San Mames. However, the calendar year of 2015 marks the last time Athletic secured a league victory over Real Madrid at home, a trend they are eager to change this matchday.

How to Watch

• Date: December 4, 2024
• Time: 21:00 CET / 3:00 PM EST
• Venue: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain
• TV: Movistar La Liga, ABC
• Streaming: ESPN+

Fans around the globe will be tuning in to see if Real Madrid can maintain their winning streak or if Athletic will harness the passion of their home crowd to upset the reigning champions.

Conclusion

The upcoming fixture between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid is set to be a thriller. With both teams loaded with talent, strategies will be pivotal in determining the outcome. Fans can expect an intense match filled with skill, tenacity, and the ever-present 'San Mames' atmosphere. Will Los Blancos emerge victorious, or can Athletic Bilbao claim a crucial point to aid their Champions League aspirations? Grab your seat, as this match promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.