Ath Bilbao – Atl. Madrid : Preview & Prediction
Despite a poor start, Athletic Club took a point from the Sánchez-Pizjuán (1-1) thanks to a second-half goal from Mikel Vesga, keeping them in third place in LaLiga Santander (LL). Los Leones, who have not finished on the Primera Liga podium since 1998, face a stern test against Atlético de Madrid (4th), but the recent head-to-head record is certainly encouraging for Athletic: the red-and-white side are unbeaten in four official matches against Atleti, who failed to find the net in the two league meetings between the two sides last season.
Athletic have scored three or more goals in their last four victories, albeit against lesser opposition. Ernesto Valverde’s side’s attack has been devastating, with the Williams brothers having scored in each of their last two wins at San Mamés – Iñaki Williams opened the scoring in each – helping Athletic to a 100 per cent record of winning games with a half-time lead in the current campaign.
Having finished above Athletic in the previous 11 league campaigns, Atleti will overtake their hosts in the table if they win at San Mamés for the first time since September 2017. Cholo Simeone’s side are coming off the back of a 0-0 draw with Brugge in the Champions League last 16, a game in which Los Colchoneros had 20 shots on target, nine of them on target. Although Athletic are slight favourites, Atletico Madrid visit Bilbao on the back of an excellent run of six league outings unbeaten (G5, E1), all of which have seen them open the scoring.
Athletic Club is one of five teams that Diego Simeone has faced 25 or more times as coach, and of those five clubs, he has the highest winning percentage against Athletic (64%). Only Getafe have suffered more defeats (19) than Athletic against Atleti under Simeone.
Players to watch: Each of Athletic’s last three wins has had a goal from Oihan Sancet in the first half-hour, but perhaps Angel Correa will fire. The Argentine winger scored a brace last matchday (5′, 48′ – ATM 2-1 Girona), and two of his three goals in the current campaign have come in the opening ten minutes.
Standout series: none of the 16 previous meetings between Athletic and Atleti have seen a difference of more than two goals between the two sides.
Ath Bilbao – Atl. Madrid : Betting Tips
Ath Bilbao – Win Odds: 2.35
