La Liga | Gameweek 19

Dec 4, 2024 at 8pm UK

San Mames Barria

Athletic Bilbaovs.Real Madrid

Match preview

After finishing fifth last season, Athletic are now aiming to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2013-14. They've shown they can compete for a top four spot in their 15 league games this season.

Athletic have won seven, drawn five and lost three of their 15 La Liga matches, which puts them in fourth position and above fifth-placed Villarreal on goal difference.

Los Leones showed real spirit in their last game against Rayo Vallecano, coming back from behind to win 2-1 thanks to Oihan Sancet's second-half goals.

Sancet's performance was instrumental in securing Athletic's third consecutive victory and extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches across all competitions. This also ensures that Los Leones have not lost a competitive game since they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Girona on October 6.

After a successful trip to Vallecas, Ernesto Valverde's side will now return to the home comforts of San Mames, where they've won six of their previous eight competitive matches (D2).

It's been a while since Athletic beat Real Madrid at San Mames. The last time was in March 2015, when Aritz Aduriz scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory. That was during Valverde's second stint as Athletic boss and Carlo Ancelotti's first spell as Real Madrid manager.

Real Madrid were pretty disappointed after losing 2-0 to Liverpool in last week's Champions League match. It was their third loss in four European games, and it's left them in 24th place in the league.

But while they're having a tough time in the Champions League, Real Madrid are starting to build momentum at home. They've won three league games in a row without conceding, which has given them an advantage over Barcelona, who've had three games without a win in La Liga (D1, L2).

Jude Bellingham took over from the usual penalty taker for Sunday's home game against Getafe and scored a 30th-minute spot kick. Kylian Mbappe then made it 2-0 just before half-time in a dominant first half at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos couldn't add to their tally in the second period, but they did well at the other end to keep a clean sheet for the seventh time this season. That means they're just one point behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand.

Next up for Real Madrid is an away game against Athletic. The visitors are on a 22-game unbeaten streak in La Liga, with their last loss coming against Atlético Madrid in September 2023.

The European champions know it'll be tough on Wednesday, but they'll be hoping to win after winning their last five away games against Athletic, including a 2-0 victory last season at San Mames.

Recent Performance

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:WDDDWW

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):DWDWWW

Real Madrid La Liga form:WWLWWW

Real Madrid form (all competitions):LLWWLW

Team News

Athletic have announced that experienced midfielder Ander Herrera has picked up a hamstring injury, which means he'll miss Wednesday's home game.

Sancet should be back in the starting lineup after a minor ankle issue, having come off the bench to score twice in Sunday's 2-1 win over Rayo.

Benat Prados is set to be back in the starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension, and there could also be recalls for Oscar de Marcos and Dani Vivian.

Valverde will have to decide whether to stick with Julen Agirrezabala or bring in Unai Simon, who recently returned to the team after a long spell out.

Real Madrid are still without midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and forward Vinicius Junior due to muscle problems.

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are out for the season with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, while David Alaba isn't expected back from his long absence until early 2025.

Los Blancos are hoping Aurelien Tchouameni will be back in the matchday squad soon after a spell on the sidelines. Bellingham is expected to be fit for Wednesday's away trip despite being forced off at half time of Sunday's win over Getafe due to a neck issue. Meanwhile, Ancelotti could make a couple of changes for the upcoming away trip, with Luka Modric and Arda Guler both pushing for starting spots.

Possible starting lineup

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Djalo

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Garcia; Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Guler; Rodrygo, Mbappe