Real Madrid will aim to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona when they visit San Mames for Wednesday’s La Liga showdown against Athletic Bilbao.

Los Blancos enter the match sitting in second place in the table, while Champions League hopefuls Athletic Bilbao occupy fourth position. After finishing fifth last season, Athletic are pushing for their first Champions League qualification since the 2013-14 campaign. Ernesto Valverde’s side has impressed across 15 La Liga matches, winning seven, drawing five, and losing three, which places them ahead of Villarreal in fifth on goal difference. In their most recent outing, Athletic displayed resilience by coming from behind to defeat Rayo Vallecano 2-1, thanks to a second-half brace from Oihan Sancet. Sancet’s heroics marked a third consecutive victory for Athletic, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine games. The Basque side has not tasted defeat since October 6, when they were edged out 2-1 by Girona. Returning to the fortress of San Mames, Athletic boast an impressive record, winning six of their last eight home matches in all competitions (D2). However, they have not beaten Real Madrid in a home league game since a 1-0 victory in March 2015, when Aritz Aduriz scored the winner under Valverde during his second stint as Athletic boss. At that time, Carlo Ancelotti was in his first spell managing Real Madrid.

Real Madrid will look to build on their strong domestic form, having won three consecutive league matches without conceding a goal. This run has helped them capitalize on Barcelona’s three-game winless streak (D1, L2) and close the gap to just one point, with a game in hand over the leaders. On Sunday, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were on the scoresheet during a dominant first-half display against Getafe. Bellingham converted a 30th-minute penalty, while Mbappe doubled the advantage shortly after. Although Real failed to add to their tally in the second half, their seventh league clean sheet of the season secured all three points. While thriving domestically, Los Blancos endured disappointment in Europe last week, losing 2-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League. That marked their third defeat in four European matches, but their La Liga title defence remains on track as they seek to extend their unbeaten run in league away matches to 22 games.

Real Madrid have been victorious in their last five La Liga trips to San Mames, including a 2-0 win in last season’s corresponding fixture. They will be aware, however, of the tough challenge posed by an Athletic side enjoying fine form. Athletic will be without experienced midfielder Ander Herrera, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Sancet is expected to recover from a slight ankle issue to feature in the starting lineup, having come off the bench to score twice against Rayo Vallecano. Benat Prados is available after serving a one-match suspension, while Oscar de Marcos and Dani Vivian may also be recalled. Goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala could retain his place, but Valverde faces a decision about reintroducing Unai Simon, who has recently returned from a long-term injury.

For Real Madrid, Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior remain out with muscle injuries, while long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will not feature again this season due to ACL injuries. David Alaba is also unavailable, with his return expected in early 2025. Aurelien Tchouameni could return to the squad after recovering from injury, while Jude Bellingham is expected to be fit despite being substituted at half-time against Getafe with a neck issue. Ancelotti might rotate his lineup, with Luka Modric and Arda Guler pushing for starting roles. Although Real Madrid have defeated Osasuna, Leganes, and Getafe in their last three league outings, the reigning champions will face a stiffer test against an Athletic side that has lost only one of their last 26 home league matches.

Given Athletic’s impressive home form, we predict the San Mames factor will play a significant role, and Los Leones could hold the European champions to a hard-fought draw.

Best Tip: Madrid win

Correct Score: 1-3