Two of the most consistent teams in the second half of the season in Spain will lock horns in La Liga this weekend. Real Madrid will be aiming to maintain their push for the top-flight title, while Athletic Bilbao will desperately be chasing the points in their battle for a Champions League finish in the Spanish top-flight.
It has been a very professional season to this point for Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti will be quick to remind his players that there is still a challenge on the cards to claim the top-flight Spanish title. Los Blancos come into this round in a commanding position at the summit, as they boast a seven-point advantage over Barcelona.
Real Madrid have also maintained their excellent form throughout the season. They come into this round in consistent winning form, landing victories in each of their last two, and three of their last four. The Spanish giants have won 22 of their 29 matches this term, and they have suffered just a single defeat. Furthermore, Real are the highest scorers in the league this term, and they also boast the best defensive record after allowing just 20 goals in Spain’s top-flight.
Athletic Bilbao are unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of travelling to the Bernabeu this weekend, as they are a team at their peak level of performance. The Spanish side have won each of their last two matches, and they have suffered just a single defeat over their last five. That run of form leaves them sitting fourth in the standings, and they could close to within three points of Girona with a famous success this weekend.
However, it’s likely that they will take a fourth-place finish in the standings this term. Bilbao currently sits a point clear of Atletico Madrid, but only a winning sequence will likely keep them in the required spot to be playing Champions League football next term. Bilbao’s most recent success was picked up before the international break, as they landed a comfortable 2-0 home win over Alaves. Gorka Guruzeta was the star performer in that outing for the Spanish giants, as he netted twice within the space of five first half minutes.
Real Madrid have dominated their recent meetings against Bilbao, evident from the fact that they have landed wins in 22 of the last 32 meetings. Over that period, Bilbao has recorded just four victories, with six matches ending in draws.
Real’s recent dominance in the league clashes is also evident based on the fact that they have won nine of their last ten against Bilbao. That includes a 2-0 success in the reverse fixture between the teams in August.
Bilbao will be without two key stars for this visit to the Spanish capital. Ander Herrera is unlikely to return until mid April, while Yuri Berchiche is set to return next weekend.
Eduardo Camavinga will be unavailable for Real Madrid this weekend, while Los Blancos are also still without Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid boast a dominant record against Bilbao in league matches, and that is a very hard trend to overlook when assessing the most likely outcome this weekend.
Bilbao’s recent form would be a bright spark in their chances, but it could be challenging to see them claim victory against their title-chasing rivals this weekend. Therefore, the preference is for Real Madrid to extend their advantage at the summit with a home success.
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