Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Atletico Madrid are very much involved in La Liga’s title race and, by the end of this game, Athletic Club, on the periphery, could also be pushing for an unlikely Spanish title this season.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 1st March, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Atletico Madrid Preview: Fighting hard
In midweek, Atletico Madrid shared a 4-4 draw with Barcelona in a thrilling first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Los Rojiblancos raced into a 2-0 lead in that game before going 4-2 down but giving themselves more than a chance in the second-leg at the Metropolitano.
The hosts have been frustrating in La Liga of late, seeing them fall behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top-of-the-table, but they are firmly involved in the battle after comfortably defeating Valencia by three goals to nil at Mestalla last weekend.
Athletic Bilbao Preview: Basque brilliance
As mentioned, it could well be the case that Athletic Club can push themselves into making it a four-team title race in Spain, beginning this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting six points behind the league leaders Barcelona as they travel to the capital city.
The Basque giants most recently annihilated Real Valladolid by seven goals to one at San Mames last weekend as they chase history once again with the UEFA Europa League final being held at their home stadium of San Mames in May.
Atletico Madrid Team News: Back to being strong
In midweek, Atletico were able to heavily rotate against Barcelona at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys so they will return to their strongest eleven for this one but they remain without club captain Koke due to a leg injury.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Cesar Azpilicueta; Giuliano Simeone, De Paul, Marcos Llorente, Samuel Lino; Griezmann, Julian Alvarez
Unavailable: Koke (Injured)
Questionable:
Athletic Bilbao Team News: Alvaro Djalo a doubt
Nico Williams hasn’t been great this season but a brace last weekend will give him and Athletic confidence of a fine end to the campaign. His fellow winger Alvaro Djalo is a doubt for this weekend due to an ankle issue.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Oscar de Marcos, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Jauregizar, Mikel Vesga; Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Maroan Sannadi
Unavailable:
Questionable: Alvaro Djalo (Injured)
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
This is a fascinating clash at the Metropolitano this weekend with the prospect of a four-team title race very real at the moment. Atletico’s impressive 3-0 defeat of Valencia last weekend and their fightback against Barcelona in midweek will give them confidence ahead of the visit of in-form and rampant Athletic. Atletico have the best defensive record in La Liga but this could well be a very entertaining encounter for the neutral.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Tip: Both teams to score
