Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: Two of Spain’s most historic clubs meet in a high-stakes La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao on April 20, 2025. With the title race heating up and both sides still fighting for top spots, this fixture is set to be a fierce contest under the lights in Madrid.

Head to Head

• Real Madrid wins: 123
• Athletic Bilbao wins: 79
• Draws: 45

Last 5 Meetings

• Dec 5, 2024 – Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Madrid

• Apr 1, 2024 – Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao

• Aug 13, 2023 – Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Real Madrid

• Jun 4, 2023 – Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

• Jan 23, 2023 – Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Real Madrid

Real Madrid have won 3 of the last 5, with Bilbao grabbing a surprise win in the most recent meeting.

Recent Form

Real Madrid (Last 5 matches): L-W-L-L-?
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has hit a rocky patch, with 3 losses in their last 4, including a midweek Champions League exit to Arsenal. Despite the setbacks, they remain 2nd in La Liga with 66 points.

Athletic Bilbao (Last 5 matches): W-W-D-D-?
Ernesto Valverde’s men are unbeaten in their last five, including a convincing 2-0 win over Rangers in the Europa League. Currently 4th in the table with 57 points, they’re pushing hard for a Champions League spot.

Team News

Real Madrid:
Real Madrid will welcome back Thibaut Courtois in goal, with key men like Vinicius Junior, Mbappé, and Bellingham all available. However, lingering fatigue from their European clash with Arsenal could impact performance. Ancelotti may rotate slightly, with defensive solidity being a priority after recent lapses.

Athletic Bilbao:
Athletic come in with momentum and a near full-strength squad. Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet will lead the creative charge, while Julen Agirrezabala retains his place in goal after recent clean sheets. Valverde’s midfield setup has clicked well lately, with Jauregizar and Galarreta controlling tempo.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Lineups

Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Courtois; Vazquez, Del Rosario, Rüdiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, N. Williams; Sannadi

10 Key Stats

1. Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 20 home games vs Athletic in La Liga.

2. Athletic haven’t won at the Bernabéu since 2005.

3. Real Madrid average 2.7 goals at home; Bilbao average 1.16 away.

4. Mbappé has scored 22 league goals, Sancet has 15.

5. Athletic have 4 consecutive clean sheets.

6. Bellingham leads Real Madrid with 6 assists.

7. Inaki Williams has 9 assists, Bilbao’s top creator.

8. Real Madrid win 44% of their first halves, Bilbao just 34%.

9. Last 5 meetings: Madrid W3, Bilbao W1, D1.

10. Average goals per match in this fixture: 2.2.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

Real Madrid’s home record and historical dominance give them the edge, but Athletic’s current form and defensive resilience can’t be ignored. Expect a tight encounter.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

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