
Tips
December 4, 2024
The Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid match is one of the standout fixtures in Spanish football, bringing together two of La Liga's most prestigious clubs.
Predictions
Ordinary Time
Over 1.5
Both Teams To Score - YES
Real Madrid or Draw
Anytime goal scorer - K. Mbappe
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Total Meetings (All Competitions): Over 180 matches have been played between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid in La Liga and other competitions.
Wins:
Athletic Bilbao: 24
Real Madrid: 68
Draws: 34
2. Recent La Liga Meetings (2023-2024)
Athletic Bilbao 0–2 Real Madrid (October 22, 2023):
Real Madrid won at San Mamés with goals from Jude Bellingham and Joselu, continuing their strong start to the season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid 2–0 Athletic Bilbao (March 12, 2023):
In Madrid, Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde scored in a comfortable win for Los Blancos.
Athletic Bilbao 1–1 Real Madrid (October 1, 2022):
A thrilling encounter at San Mamés, where Vinícius Júnior scored for Madrid, but Iñaki Williams found the equalizer for Athletic Bilbao.
3. Biggest Wins
Athletic Bilbao's Biggest Win:
Athletic Bilbao 4–0 Real Madrid (1983):
One of the most memorable victories in the rivalry, as Athletic handed Real Madrid a heavy defeat at San Mamés, a result still talked about by the Bilbao faithful.
Real Madrid's Biggest Win:
Real Madrid 7–1 Athletic Bilbao (1959):
One of the biggest victories in this fixture's history, where Real Madrid humiliated Athletic at the Santiago Bernabéu.
4. Key Historical Matches
Copa del Rey Final (1931):
Real Madrid 1–0 Athletic Bilbao: Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey in this historic final with a goal from José María Peña.
1990-91 La Liga:
Athletic Bilbao 2–1 Real Madrid: This win was part of Athletic Bilbao’s golden period when they were consistently challenging for top honors in Spain.
2015-16 Copa del Rey Final:
Athletic Bilbao 2–1 Barcelona (not involving Real Madrid, but key rivalry context): Athletic’s recent history with top clubs like Barcelona or Madrid has made them formidable at home.
5. Notable Players
Athletic Bilbao Legends:
Telmo Zarra, the all-time top scorer for the club, Fernando Llorente, Andoni Zubizarreta, and Julen Guerrero are some of the club’s legends who have been part of this fierce rivalry.
Real Madrid Legends:
Alfredo Di Stéfano, Raúl González, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema are among the many legendary players who have starred in Real Madrid's encounters with Athletic Bilbao.
6. Stadiums
Athletic Bilbao’s Home (San Mamés):
Known as "The Cathedral," San Mamés is one of the most atmospheric and intimidating stadiums in Spain. It's famous for its passionate fans and the intense atmosphere they create, particularly against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s Home (Santiago Bernabéu):
The Santiago Bernabéu is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football. It has witnessed countless memorable matches, including many between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.
7. Recent Form (2023-24)
Athletic Bilbao: Under Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao continues to be a competitive force in La Liga, with a strong focus on youth development, physical play, and a high pressing game. They remain a tough opponent, especially at home.
Real Madrid: After winning the 2022 Champions League and the 2021-22 La Liga title, Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid remains a powerhouse. With new additions like Jude Bellingham and veterans like Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema, they continue to challenge for every competition.
8. Interesting Stats
Athletic Bilbao’s Toughness at Home: Athletic is known for being especially strong at home, having historically given the bigger teams, including Real Madrid, difficult matches at San Mamés.
Real Madrid’s Record: Real Madrid has had a dominant overall record in the fixture, though they have faced strong resistance, especially in recent years when Iñaki Williams and others have stepped up for Athletic.
9. Tactical Battles
Athletic Bilbao typically plays a direct and aggressive style of football, focusing on high pressing and fast transitions. They rely heavily on their strong home support, using their physicality and energy to unsettle their opponents.
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, plays a more possession-based style with quick transitions, relying on the creative brilliance of players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. They also have the experience and depth to withstand pressure, particularly in big games.
10. Famous Rivalry Moments
1984 Copa del Rey Final: Athletic Bilbao’s 1–0 win over Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey is a key moment in the rivalry. This victory was part of a golden era for Athletic, as they won multiple trophies in the 1980s.
Recent Encounters (2021-2022):
In recent seasons, Athletic Bilbao has managed to get important results, including a 1-1 draw at San Mamés in 2022, showing they are still capable of taking points from the top sides.
Conclusion:
The Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid match is a captivating fixture, filled with history, passion, and intensity. Athletic's strong home form at San Mamés often presents a serious challenge for even the best teams, including Real Madrid, who have a superior overall record in the rivalry. With both teams having talented squads, these encounters are always competitive, and the rivalry remains a significant part of Spanish football's narrative. Whether in La Liga or the Copa del Rey, these fixtures are guaranteed to provide drama, action, and memorable moments.