Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction - La Liga Fixtures
It’s 3rd vs 4th in La Liga this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Atletico Madrid put their disappointing 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo behind them with a convincing 3-0 win vs Valencia at the Mestalla. A first-half brace from Julian Alvarez took his La Liga tally to nine, who’ll be hoping to reach double figures on Saturday.
Athletic Bilbao head into this encounter with a spring in their step after hammering Valladolid 7-1 last weekend, extending their unbeaten run to six in all competitions. The hosts will need to be wary of Oihan Sancet’s threat, with the 24-year-old having scored six in his last five matches.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Simeone to silence the hosts
Spain, La Liga, Saturday, March 1st, 20:00 (UK)
What a cracking match we have lined up on Saturday night. Unbeaten in their last eight, title-chasing Atletico Madrid take on Champions League craving Athletic Bilbao at the Metropolitano stadium.
Both clubs arrive in good nick, and the bookmakers are finding it difficult to split them. Atletico Madrid are the favourites, but there’s not many occasions Atletico Madrid will be odds-against at home, especially having only dropped eight points to date – this seems too good to ignore.
Simeone’s side picked up a valuable point at the Bernabeu, but were unable to back that up against Celta Vigo after Pablo Barrios was sent off inside seven minutes. Still, they rallied to pick up another point before hammering Valencia 3-0 in their own backyard.
This is normally the time of year Atletico fade – but they’ve looked stronger than ever before and both Real Madrid and Barcelona will be worried.
Julian Alvarez was brought to the club for a staggering fee, but so far, so good for the Argentine. The 25-year-old has given them another dimension in the final third, and with nine La Liga goals and two assists to his name, his investment is paying off.
Antoine Griezmann only has one goal less than his new strike partner despite 33 years of age, and when they don’t have answers, Simeone can call on Alexander Sorloth, who’s also scored nine league goals this campaign.
Often Atletico have struggled to find multiple players to share the load in front of goal, but this season is very different, and that is why they shouldn’t be odds-against on Saturday night – expect that price to shorten as kick-off edges ever closer.
Admittedly, Bilbao have only lost three away games across all competitions this season. Besiktas, Girona and Barcelona are the only teams to have taken all three points – but it’s also worth pointing out Atletico beat them 1-0 in their own stadium in round four.
Angel Correa’s last gasp winner was arguably deserved, as the visitors restricted the hosts to just two corners and one shot on target across the 90 minutes. If they manage to replicate that defensive display, Bilbao won’t have many answers.
Atletico’s main job will be to keep Oihan Sancet quiet. The no.10 has been in prolific form, but comes up against one of the best defences in the league that has only shipped in eight goals in 13 home matches.
With the title race still wide open, Diego Simeone’s side can stay firmly on the heels of Real and Barcelona with another statement victory. Back the odds-against before the bookmakers shorten the price.
- Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: Atletico Madrid to win
- Best Odds: 2.050
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction odds via bet365 as at 13:00, February 25th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Atletico Madrid will welcome back Pablo Barrios who was sent off against Celta Vigo in their 1-1 draw less than two weeks ago. The 21-year-old has been a key player in the heart of midfield for SImeone, and he’ll likely slot straight back in alongside Rodrigo de Paul.
Sorloth is set to sit on the bench once more with Alvarez in fine form after his brace against Valencia. Both are looking to score their 10th La Liga goal of the season.
As mentioned, Atletico have only conceded eight goals at home this campaign, and fans have Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand largely to thank for that. The duo will start in the heart of defence with Jan Oblak’s strong presence in behind who is looking for back-to-back league clean sheets.
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Mandava, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente, Lino, Koke, Barrios, Simeone, Alvarez, Sorloth
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Berchiche, Paredes, Vivian, de Marcos, Vesga, Jauregizar, Williams, Sancet, Williams, Sannadi
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