Athletic Club return to San Mamés after finally recording a positive result away from home, but their overall season remains far from the standards they set last year. Now they face a Real Madrid side that has unexpectedly stumbled in recent weeks.
Athletic improving defensively, but lacking goals
Athletic Bilbao beat Levante 2-0 in their last match and previously won 1-0 at home against Oviedo, but these brighter moments remain isolated in a generally inconsistent campaign. What they have managed to improve is their defensive discipline - they have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches across all competitions. However, the big issue remains their attack. Unlike last season, Athletic struggle to convert chances and often rely on holding narrow results rather than imposing themselves offensively. A year ago they defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at San Mamés, but repeating that performance now seems significantly more difficult.
Real Madrid lose the top spot
Real Madrid slipped again at the weekend, drawing 1-1 away at Girona. This was their third consecutive league draw, all away from home, and these dropped points cost them first place in La Liga. Despite the results, Real continue to create chances and play with high tempo, but defensive lapses and missed opportunities have become a pattern. Now another complicated away fixture awaits - San Mamés remains one of the toughest stadiums in Spain, regardless of Athletic’s current form.
Prediction: BTTS – Yes
Both teams show clear defensive strengths but also vulnerabilities. Athletic’s recent home matches suggest they can stay compact yet still find moments to threaten, while Real Madrid continue to score regularly even when not winning. Given Real’s shaky away form and Athletic’s improved defensive performances but occasional breakthroughs, the scenario of both teams scoring fits well. Prediction: BTTS – Yes.
