Real Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 16:15 BST. The La Liga clash pits the league’s top-ranked side against the seventh-placed team, with Real Madrid aiming to extend their two-point lead over Barcelona, while Athletic Bilbao seeks to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid enter the match on the back of a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, with Karim Benzema continuing his impressive form, having scored 14 goals in his last 14 league appearances. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid, with their last victory coming against Cádiz on 2 April. The Basque side will be without their top scorer, Iñaki Williams, who is serving a one-match suspension.
Real Madrid aim to extend winning streak against Athletic Bilbao
Real Madrid will look to extend their impressive winning run when they face Athletic Bilbao in Saturday’s La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish giants have won their last five matches in all competitions, with their most recent victory coming against Real Betis in a 2-0 win.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency this season. The Basque side have won just one of their last five league matches, with their most recent defeat coming against Sevilla in a 2-1 loss. Despite their struggles, Athletic Bilbao will be eager to cause an upset against the league leaders.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised his side’s recent performances. “We are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment,” he said ahead of the match. “We know that Athletic Bilbao will be a tough opponent, but we are focused on continuing our good form.”
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has urged his side to be more clinical in front of goal. “We have created chances in recent matches, but we need to be more clinical,” he said. “We need to take our chances if we are to cause an upset against Real Madrid.”
The match will kick off at 3:00 PM local time, with Real Madrid looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will be hoping to secure a positive result to boost their own league campaign.
Saturday's La Liga encounter pits top-tier teams in Bilbao
Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao meet in a La Liga showdown on Saturday at San Mamés. The match kicks off at 16:15 BST, with both teams aiming to secure crucial points in the league’s tight race.
Real Madrid enter the fixture on the back of a 3-1 victory over Real Betis. Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit third in the table, two points behind leaders Barcelona. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are in eighth place after a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
The Basque side have a strong home record this season, losing only twice in 11 matches at San Mamés. Real Madrid, however, have been formidable on the road, losing just once in 11 away games. Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has warned his players to expect a tough challenge.
“Real Madrid are a top team with world-class players,” Valverde said at a pre-match press conference. “We know it will be a difficult game, but we are ready.” Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema echoed Valverde’s sentiments.
“We respect Athletic Bilbao, they are a strong team with a great home support,” Benzema told reporters. “But we are focused on our game and want to get the three points.” The match will be broadcast live on LaLigaTV and Premier Sports.
Defending champions Real Madrid target crucial victory
Real Madrid aim to secure a vital victory when they face Athletic Bilbao in Saturday’s La Liga encounter. The reigning champions currently sit third in the table, three points behind leaders Barcelona. A win would significantly boost their title defence.
The match takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu, with kick-off scheduled for 16:15 GMT. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance of the fixture. “It’s a crucial game for us,” he stated in Friday’s pre-match press conference. “We need to keep winning to stay in the title race.”
Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma regarding Karim Benzema’s fitness. The French striker missed training on Friday but remains hopeful of featuring. “I feel good,” Benzema told reporters. “I want to play tomorrow if the coach lets me.”
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, approach the game in 12th place, 13 points behind the champions. Manager Ernesto Valverde has praised Real Madrid’s consistency this season. “They’ve been excellent,” he acknowledged. “We’ll need to be at our best to compete.”
The Basque side have won just one of their last six La Liga matches. Their sole victory came against fellow strugglers Elche. Valverde’s side will be looking to improve their away form, with just four points secured in eight matches on the road.
Real Madrid have won 12 of their 16 home league games this season. Their last defeat at the Bernabéu came against Barcelona in October. The champions have scored 37 goals at home in La Liga this campaign, the highest tally among all teams.
Athletic Bilbao seek to derail Real Madrid's momentum
Real Madrid travel to San Mamés Stadium on Saturday aiming to extend their winning run to five matches in all competitions. The Spanish giants have scored 17 goals in their last four games, with Karim Benzema contributing seven of those. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Real Sociedad last time out.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently sit third in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona. A win for Real Madrid would keep the pressure on the Catalan club, who face a tough away fixture against Atlético Madrid on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao, in eighth place, are 14 points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots.
Real Madrid’s recent form has been impressive, with victories over Espanyol, Shakhtar Donetsk, Mallorca, and Cádiz. Benzema has been in scintillating form, scoring in each of those matches. Athletic Bilbao, however, have a strong home record, losing only three of their 11 La Liga games at San Mamés this season.
The Basque side will be without key midfielder Dani García, who is serving a one-match suspension. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have no new injury concerns, with Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal continuing their recovery from long-term injuries. Ancelotti is expected to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Cádiz 3-1 last time out.
Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino García Toral has warned his players not to underestimate Real Madrid. “They are a top team, with world-class players,” he said ahead of the match. “We need to be at our best to have any chance of winning.” Ancelotti, meanwhile, has urged his players to remain focused and not get carried away with their recent success.
Real Madrid will look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The defending champions currently hold a three-point advantage over their closest rivals, with a win at San Mamés set to bolster their title credentials. Athletic, meanwhile, will be aiming to secure a positive result to keep pace with the league’s top six. The match also serves as a crucial test for both sides ahead of their respective Champions League fixtures next week. With key players likely to be rested, the outcome may provide valuable insights into the depth and resilience of both squads.
