Real MadridvsAthletic Bilbao

The Battle at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid. A name that echoes through the halls of football history. They stand tall at the top of La Liga, a fortress of victories and a beacon of dominance. Their recent form? Impressive. With 14 wins in 20 matches, they are a force to be reckoned with. Despite a minor hiccup against Liverpool in the Champions League, their resilience is unquestionable. Kylian Mbappé is on fire, netting 22 goals this season, and with Vinicius Junior suspended, the spotlight is firmly on him. But fear not, Madridistas, the squad depth is formidable, with Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham ready to step up.

Bilbao's Uphill Battle

Athletic Bilbao, the underdogs with a rich history, face a daunting task. Their recent Super Cup defeat to Barcelona highlights the challenges they face against top-tier teams. Yet, they are not to be underestimated. Bilbao hasn't lost in their last six games, a testament to their resilience. However, their goal drought in the last three matches is a cause for concern. Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams will need to find their scoring boots if they are to challenge the Madrid defense.

The Historical Edge

History favors the home side. Real Madrid has been a fortress against Bilbao at the Bernabéu, with 25 wins in the last 32 home encounters. The last time Bilbao tasted victory here was in 2005. The most common scoreline? A 3-1 victory for Madrid. With both teams scoring heavily between the 31st and 45th minutes, expect fireworks in the first half.

The Prediction

Real Madrid's home record is formidable, and with Athletic Bilbao struggling to find the net recently, the odds are stacked against the visitors. Expect a home victory with Real Madrid likely to keep a clean sheet. The absence of Vinicius might be felt, but with Mbappé leading the charge, Madrid should secure a comfortable win. Final score prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao.