Prediction: Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Starting with the hosts, enduring what was a woeful run of form during the final couple of months last season, Athletic Bilbao certainly couldn’t have wished for a sterner opening weekend examination here. Failing to pick up any kind of momentum during their summer preparations, Los Leones have come under a huge amount of scrutiny since returning from the World Cup’s winter break. Eventually missing out on the chance to book a lucrative European return following their infamous late collapse, Ernesto Valverde will know that he has some mounting pressure on his shoulders in Basque County. Mustering just a single win from any of their final eight straight La Liga appearances last season, the one-time Barcelona boss also had a real headache over his side’s extended issues on home soil. Including a toothless 1-0 defeat at the hands of Elche in their final top-flight appearance on May 28th, it should be noted that Bilbao lost three of their final four showdowns at San Mames.
Team News
Making the move from Mallorca on a free switch this summer, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta should make his full Bilbao debut on Saturday night. Spanish number-one goalkeeper Unai Simon will start between the sticks here.
Finding the net in a pre-season friendly against Premier League heavyweights Manchester United last weekend, Inaki Williams will spearhead Valverde’s charge this weekend.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, dethroned by bitter rivals Barcelona last season and eventually only just snatching a silver medal finish, Real Madrid will be more than aware that they have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders this time around. With only a Copa del Rey trophy to show for their troubles last year, Los Blancos will be looking to make an early statement of intent when they travel to San Mames on Saturday night. Really gaining a reputation in 2023 for their extended issues outside of the capital, Carlo Ancelotti’s superstar squad should at least be boosted by their eye-catching record against Bilbao. Landing a routine 2-0 victory when they last travelled to San Mames back on January 22nd, the Spanish icons have lost just one of their previous seven meetings against Saturday’s hosts across all competitions – a run that stems back to their 2-1 Super Cup defeat back in January 2021.
Team News
Arriving in the Spanish capital this summer after securing a £100million move from German giants Borussia Dortmund, England international Jude Bellingham will make his competitive debut on Saturday night. The ex-Brimingham starlet will be joined in midfield by Luka Modric.
Watching attacking icon and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema make a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia this summer, Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior will spearhead Los Blancos’ charge this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid last travelled to San Mames back on January 22nd, Los Blancos picked up a routine 2-0 victory in Basque Country.
- Likewise, the now-former Spanish champions have lost just one of their last seven meetings across all competitions – a run that stems back to their 2-1 Super Cup defeat back in January 2021.
- Athletic Bilbao signed off the 2022/23 campaign by winning just one of their final eight La Liga appearances.
- Likewise, Saturday’s hosts also lost three of their final four top-flight showdowns at San Mames.
- Six of the last seven meetings between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Left hugely frustrated last season as Barcelona snatched away their domestic crown, Real Madrid will be looking to make an opening weekend statement in Basque Country. Clinching a 2-0 victory when they last travelled to San Mames back on January 22nd, Los Blancos should be smelling a real chance on Saturday night. With Athletic Bilbao mustering just a single win from their final eight La Liga appearances last season, it should also be noted that Valverde’s men also lost three of their last four top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters. Facing what is a huge challenge when the title contenders arrive in town this weekend, we are backing an away draw no bet here.
