Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

The La Liga title race is far from over and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Real Madrid squeezed past Alaves on Sunday despite Kylian Mbappe receiving a red card in the first half – and as a result, they remain four points behind Barcelona with seven games left to play.

Athletic Bilbao breezed past Rayo Vallecano 3-1 keeping them six points clear of 5th. With a key midweek Europa League fixture against Rangers to come first, it will be interesting to see how the visitors approach this fixture.

Nathan takes a closer look for us and provides his best tip.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Tight tussle at the Bernabeu

Spain, La Liga, Sunday, April 20th, 20:00 (UK)

Our Real Madrid tip won last weekend – and for their next fixture it’s a case of if it isn’t broken to fix it. Both Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have important European matches midweek, yet both teams can’t afford to lose when they face off in La Liga a few days later.

The most obvious talking point is Mbappe’s absence from this fixture. The forward’s rash tackle saw him receive a straight red against Alaves – and although Real Madrid aren’t short of attacking talent, his presence up top will be sorely missed in the hunt to get themselves back in the title race.

They also have to fight back from a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal this week – and however that fixture pans out, it’s going to take its toll on the players – both physically and mentally. A Champions League exit will put the pressure on Real Madrid to deliver domestically – but it’s not always that easy.

Prior to their win against Alaves, Real Madrid have suffered three defeats on the bounce. They now face a team that hasn’t lost in their last seven – and only Atletico Madrid (24) have conceded less than Bilbao in La Liga this season (25).

Ernesto Valverde has built a team that is incredibly hard to break down, and having only conceded 15 on their travels from 15 matches, Real Madrid are in for a tough evening in front of an impatient crowd.

The hosts may have the best home form in La Liga, but cracks are beginning to show, and without their talisman leading the line, Bilbao won’t have a better opportunity to record back-to-back wins against the Spanish giants.

Bilbao won the reverse fixture 2-1 in the 80th minute, but the previous four meetings produced under 2.5 goals. With important midweek fixtures for both clubs – before battling it out at the Bernabeu – this game looks set for both defences to cancel one another out.

One goal might be enough for either side – and more likely to be the hosts – but the value is once again with backing unders. It’s time to be brave again and watch Bilbao produce another solid defensive display on the road.

• Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:30, April 14th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Real Madrid won’t be able to play Kylian Mbappe which may see Rodrygo brought into a more central role. Carlo Ancelotti clearly doesn’t trust Endrick to lead the line on his own in such an important match – and once again the Brazilian will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Vinicius Junior was rested against Alaves – and brought on in the second half – but after the second leg against Arsenal, the Brazilian will return to the starting XI for this clash against Bilbao.

The visitors recently welcomed back Oihan Scanet to the starting XI after missing a few matches due to injury – and their top goalscorer added two more to his tally last weekend. The Spaniard has 15 goals in 23 appearances, and he will once again be their main threat as they look to maintain a top four finish.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alaba, Rudiger, Asencio, Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga, Modric, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Diaz

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Boiro, Paredes, Vivian, Gorosabel, Diaz, Jauregizar, Djalo, Gomez, Scanet, Guruzeta

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