The crucial fixture in Spain’s La Liga this weekend will take place in the capital, as Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao collide with major implications on the Champions League spots. Atletico can move clear in fourth if they are able to record maximum points this weekend.
La Liga Preview
The final month of the season will determine the sides that will represent Spain in the Champions League next season. Atletico Madrid currently holds the advantage in the race for a top four finish in the competition, but they sit just three points clear of their rivals this weekend. Therefore, a victory could be essential for the visitors to keep their hopes of Champions League football alive.
Atletico Madrid’s form has dipped in recent weeks after suffering three defeats in their last five, meaning that it is unlikely that they are going to mount a challenge for third in the standings. It would be a concern that Atletico have been relatively easy to beat this term, as they have suffered nine defeats, which is the most of any side in the top seven positions in the standings. Their most recent defeat was suffered against Alaves last weekend.
Bilbao have already enjoyed an excellent campaign, with a European spot having been achieved following their victory in the Copa del Rey. However, a Champions League place remains within touching distance, and a victory this weekend would see them move into the qualifying spots. But, their recent form would be a concern to their chances, as they come into this round having failed to win in each of their last three matches.
Bilbao have been held to draws in each of their last two fixtures, with their most recent tie coming against Granada last Friday. The fact that this match will be played away from Bilbao is also likely to impact their chances, as they have won just five of their 15 away matches this term. In away fixtures, Bilbao have scored 24 fewer goals than they have managed in home matches this term.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
Bilbao boasts a stunning recent record in this fixture after winning each of their last three against Atletico. Each of their last two victories were achieved in the Copa Del Rey, but all victories have come in the 2023-24 season. Before the start of this campaign, Atletico completed the double over their rivals last term.
However, Bilbao’s historic record in this fixture is also very eye-catching, as they have won five of the last seven meetings between the teams across all competitions. But, they are without an away league victory in this fixture in 12 attempts since a 2-0 win in January 2011.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Team News
Oscar de Marcos will be missing for Bilbao this weekend due to suspension. Meanwhile, the visitors will also be without influential defenders Aitor Paredes and Yuri Berchiche until the start of next month.
Stefan Savic misses out for Atletico this weekend due to suspension, while Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay will both be out due to muscle injuries.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Bilbao’s recent domination in this fixture is extremely eye-catching when it comes to making a selection this weekend. However, it could be hard to overlook the fact that they are without an away league win against Atletico since 2011.
Atletico’s home form throughout the season has remained strong, with just one of their nine defeats coming in the capital. But, given the recent form of both sides, it could be interesting to side with a draw this weekend.
Make sure to bet on Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao with 22Bet!
Bet here
