Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Real Madrid are still firmly in the title race and cannot afford any slip-ups, currently sitting four points behind Barcelona with seven rounds to go. Their Champions League elimination and a recent home loss to Valencia will only increase their desire to respond. Athletic Bilbao are also pushing for a top-four finish, though their current position in the standings gives them some breathing room.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have won four of their last five league outings, with their only defeat coming in stoppage time against Valencia (1:2). They are second in both the league standings and in total goals scored, with 64. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid have collected 37 points — the best home record in La Liga — and have scored in 14 of their 15 home fixtures. Kylian Mbappé will miss the game against Athletic Bilbao, but the hosts still have a wealth of attacking talent. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham have netted a combined 25 league goals, while Endrick Sousa has five goals in as many Copa del Rey appearances.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao have found it tough away from home this season, suffering defeats against Girona, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid. They possess the fifth-best attacking record in the league with 49 goals, but defensive vulnerabilities continue to plague them. In eight of their last ten away matches, Athletic Bilbao have made at least one costly defensive mistake. They've also conceded in draws against relegation-threatened opponents such as Real Valladolid (1:1) and Alavés (1:1).
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Real Madrid need all three points to stay in the hunt for the title, and the statistics back them up. They are unbeaten in their last 19 home matches against Athletic Bilbao, drawing just three times in that run. Given the visitors' persistent defensive issues on the road, Real Madrid are well placed to take all the points and maintain pressure on Barcelona.
