Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction, Tips & Odds – 31.03.2024
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Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction 31.03.2024. The most interesting match of the 30th round of La Liga will take place on Sunday at 9:00 PM at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, where Real Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao.
The home team is at the top of the table, eight points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, while Athletic occupies the fourth position, one point ahead of Atletico Madrid, who is in fifth place, in the battle for Champions League qualification.
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Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Odds
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid has dominated La Liga this season, with 22 wins, six draws, and just one loss in 29 matches, amassing 72 points and firmly securing the top spot in the table. They are eight points ahead of Barcelona in second place and ten points clear of third-placed Girona, with nine matches remaining in the season. It would be surprising to see them lose the top spot at this stage, but they are also focused on the Champions League. Their next Champions League match will be against the European champions Manchester City in the quarterfinals, with the first leg taking place at Bernabeu on April 9th.
Real Madrid entered the international break after two consecutive league wins against Celta and Osasuna, scoring eight goals in those matches. They have been impressive at home this season, earning 38 points from 14 matches. They might have just a five-point lead over Barcelona when they take the field in this match, and the two Spanish football giants will clash in La Liga on April 21st.
Real Madrid will be without their key forward Vinicius Junior due to suspension after receiving a yellow card against Osasuna before the international break. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are injured, but there is a chance that Eder Militao could return from an injury he sustained against Athletic Bilbao in August. Eduardo Camavinga is doubtful due to an ankle injury suffered while playing for France, but Dani Ceballos has returned to training after a calf problem. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are expected to start despite missing training on Thursday. Brahim Diaz is expected to capitalize on Vinicius’s absence, while Nacho is set to return to the center of defense.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Before the break for international duties, Athletic secured a 2-0 victory over Alaves, with Gorka Guruzeta scoring twice for the Basque team, which currently holds a Champions League spot. Ernesto Valverde’s side has registered 16 wins, eight draws, and five losses in 29 matches this season, accumulating 56 points, placing them fourth, one point ahead of fifth-placed Atletico Madrid. Athletic hasn’t finished fourth in Spain’s top flight for 10 years, but they are currently on track to qualify for the Champions League while also aiming to win the Copa del Rey trophy, preparing for a match against Mallorca in the final next weekend.
The Lions have gathered 20 points from 14 away matches this season, ranking fifth in the league, but interestingly, they haven’t defeated Real Madrid in La Liga since March 2015. Last season, Athletic managed a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but when they visited San Mames at the start of the 2023⁄24 season, the team leading the league won 2-0.
Regarding absences, Yuri Berchiche is sidelined due to a hamstring issue, while Aitor Paredes, Ander Herrera, and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability. Dani Vivian, who recently made his debut for Spain during the international break, will feature in defense, while Dani Garcia is expected to slot into the midfield. Guruzeta will lead the attack after his two goals against Alaves, while Inaki Williams and Nico Williams are set to start on the wings. Oihan Sancet was an unused substitute in the last match but is now vying for a return to the starting lineup on Sunday.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
16.01.2022. Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao 2:0
03.02.2022. Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid 1:0
22.01.2023. Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid 0:2
04.06.2023. Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao 1:1
12.08.2023. Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid 0:2
Injuries and suspensions
Real Madrid: Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga
Athletic Bilbao: Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Ander Herrera, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta
Expected Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Brahim, Rodrygo
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Lekue; Benat, D Garcia; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Athletic Bilbao has the potential to secure points on Sunday evening, especially due to Vinicius Junior’s absence. However, with Bellingham’s return, Real Madrid has received a significant boost, so we believe the home team is closer to victory in this encounter. Additionally, we predict that the match will be tight, with a low number of goals.
Kick-off Time: Sunday, 31.03.2024, 9:00 PM Local Time (GMT +1), 21:00 CET
Prediction: Real Madrid to win & under 3.5
Odds (when tipped): 2.34
Sportsbook: 22bet
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