Athletic Club are hoping to build on their first victory of the new La Liga season. They take on Atlético Madrid at San Mamés on Saturday afternoon.

Terzić to keep faith with wide duo after key win for Athletic

An excellent first-half performance in Vigo sealed three points for Athletic Club last time out. Edin Terzić left his star player Nico Williams on the bench, as wingers Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro both scored in a 2-0 win.

Major changes are unlikely this weekend, which could mean the younger of the two Williams brothers misses out again. Iñaki will lead the line, with the Ghana international keen to improve on a return of just three goals in 30 La Liga appearances last season.

The hosts are still missing Unai Egiluz and Peio Canales due to injuries. Dani Vivian and Beñat Prados are additional fitness doubts.

Athletic Club predicted lineup vs Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Paredes, Laporte, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Gerenabarrena; Navarro, Sancet, Berenguer; I. Williams.

More options for Simeone as Atlético Madrid head to Bilbao

The best Atlético Madrid performance of the campaign so far also came last weekend. They won 3-1 at Sevilla, with Álex Baena and Lee Kang-in combining well in unfamiliar advanced roles.

That display means there won’t be any rush for striker Julián Álvarez to start, especially after a summer of transfer speculation. Alexander Sørloth remains a fitness doubt, so the visitors should field a similar lineup to the one that triumphed at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

Robin Le Normand is available again after suspension, while summer signing Cristian Romero is another fresh option in central defence. However, Dávid Hancko and Marc Pubill are ready to continue. Hancko impressed with four aerial challenges won in Seville.

Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Grimaldo; Hjulmand, Barrios; Simeone, Kang-in, Lookman; Baena.

Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.31 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Athletic Club 1-1 Atlético Madrid
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 16UVS

Key stats:

  • Three of the previous four meetings between these clubs have produced just one goal.
  • None of Athletic’s six most recent home games against Atleti have delivered more than three strikes.
  • Five of the last seven La Liga fixtures involving Los Leones have ended with two or fewer goals.

Meetings between these two in Bilbao are usually tight. Atlético Madrid have only managed to score one goal across their previous four visits to this stadium. However, they have claimed two 1-0 victories at San Mamés since 2022, with their defence often holding firm.

In their last matches, both sides fielded players who are more accustomed to wide or midfield roles up front. Neither Diego Simeone nor Terzić has yet settled on their best attacking combinations, and backing under 3.5 goals is the smart pick.

Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Álex Baena to score anytime, including substitutions
  • Odds: 4.1 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3XXVS

After a solid World Cup for Spain, Baena has started the new season brightly. He scored a brilliant free-kick on matchday one against Málaga and has since moved on to three goals in three appearances.

The 25-year-old should get more shooting opportunities in this game given he’s set to be used in attack once again. He’s averaging a goal every 54 minutes in the 2026/27 campaign and offers value to score anytime.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals (1.31) — Athletic Club 1-1 Atlético Madrid