Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid predictions for Sunday’s La Liga clash. Can the visitors bounce back from defeat in their last league match and start the title chase in the best possible way? Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 12th August at 8:30 pm In:
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Predictions
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San Mames Showdown: Real Madrid’s Quest for Redemption vs Bilbao’s Bid for Glory
Key Stats
– Real Madrid’s attacking prowess from last season reflects in their 2.0 goals per game.
– Iñaki Williams, with 10 goals last season, is Bilbao’s beacon of hope against the Madrid giants.
The excitement surrounding the 2023-24 La Liga season opener is palpable. Come Saturday evening, the iconic San Mames will be echoing with roars when Real Madrid, the ever-present titans, visit Athletic Bilbao, the embodiment of regional pride.
After concluding the previous season in the second spot, Real Madrid will be itching to kick off this season on a brighter note. A 10-point gap with Barcelona, the defending champions, is a vivid memory they’d prefer to overwrite. On the flip side, Athletic Bilbao had their own sets of highs and lows, finishing eighth. The thirst for European qualification continues, and Athletic’s tryst with the eighth position (for three times in the last five seasons) showcases their consistency, albeit not the kind they’d brag about.
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The Basque-only policy has always been a talking point for Athletic Bilbao. It’s a pride as much as it is a challenge. Summer saw them welcoming Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta from Mallorca and Javier Marton from Real Sociedad B. Although they bid adieu to Inigo Martinez to Barcelona, the retention of the Williams brothers – Nico and Inaki – is a testament to the club’s resilience.
Friendlies: A Prelude to Form
Before this epic clash, both teams had a taste of action. Bilbao’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United in Dublin showcased their readiness for the season ahead. However, the ghosts of the past linger. Their victory drought against Real Madrid since March 2015 is an albatross they’d want to shed.
Real Madrid, in their preparation, tested their mettle against European heavyweights. With victories against AC Milan and Manchester United and losses against Barcelona and Juventus, they’ve had a taste of all flavours. Their quest to fill Karim Benzema’s void, after his unexpected move to Saudi Arabia, and the ongoing speculations around Kylian Mbappe’s potential move to the Bernabeu adds layers to the storyline.
Potential Lineups
Bilbao, emerging unscathed post their Man United encounter, might see Yeray Alvarez fortifying their defence if he regains full fitness. The attacking prowess will likely be led by the Williams duo, Muniain, and Sancet. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will miss the services of Guler, Mendy, and Ceballos due to injuries. The blow of Courtois undergoing surgery for an ACL injury will see Lunin guarding the goal.
Predictions
- Real Madrid’s Opening Game Strategy: Given Real Madrid’s attacking stats last season, boasting 2.0 goals per game and creating 3.0 significant chances each game, our prediction leans towards “Over 2.5 goals” in this fixture. It’s not the easiest, considering Bilbao’s stringent defence, but with the firepower Madrid possesses, it’s plausible.
- Score Prediction: Considering the defensive abilities of both teams and the stats, a 2-1 victory in favour of Real Madrid seems a justified prediction.
- Potential Goalscorer: With a prolific record last season, Iñaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao is our man to watch. His 10 goals in the last La Liga season show he has the mettle to make the net ripple. For the keen-eyed, predicting him as the first goalscorer might be a worthy punt.
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