La Liga: Real Madrid Look to Avoid Another Slip at Athletic

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s remarkable winning run in La Liga finally came to an end over the weekend against relegation strugglers Cadiz. Los Blancos will look to put that recent setback behind them when they travel to Bilbao to face Athletic Club.

The Basque club snapped their streak of winless games with a terrific come-from-behind victory over high-flying Real Betis. Can Athletic defy the La Liga 2021 betting odds again and trip up the league leaders?

Talking Points

Real finally drop points

Real Madrid’s long 10-game winning streak in all competitions – seven in La Liga – finally came to a close as they were held to a goalless draw by second-from-bottom Cadiz. Carlo Ancelotti’s side absolutely dominated the match as they controlled 82 per cent of possession and launched a whopping 36 shots, although only nine were on target.

Real were without Luka Modric, who was still recovering after testing positive for Covid. He has since tested negative, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to make his return in Bilbao.

Despite their recent setback, Real’s defence still looks very solid. They have now kept five clean sheets in a row in all competitions, a streak which began with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao back at the start of December.

Karim Benzema scored the winning goal in that game. The Frenchman has been in phenomenal form this season with 13 goals and 7 assists in 17 La Liga matches.

Vinicius Junior has also been terrific and supplied both assists in Real’s 2-0 victory over rivals Atletico in the derby. But the Brazilian will look to get back amongst the goals after failing to score in his last three games, one of his longest goal droughts of the season.

Real Madrid have been terrific away from home this season. They have won seven of nine La Liga away matches (one draw, one loss), including the last four in a row.

Athletic finally end long slump

Athletic Bilbao’s dreadful winless run finally came to an end over the weekend as they stunned third-placed Real Betis 3-2. Inaki Williams bagged a brace while Oscar de Marcos scored a late winner as the Basques came from 2-1 down to claim the victory.

The win helps ease the pressure on under-fire coach Marcelino after a disastrous run of La Liga 2021 results which saw his side draw five and lose three of their last eight games.

As is usually the case, goals remain hard to come by for Athletic. They have scored just 16 goals this season and had scored just two in their previous six games prior to their win over Betis. Inaki Williams is the team’s leading scorer with five goals, but he hadn’t scored since late October.

Oihan Sancet set up both of Bilbao’s late goals after coming on as a substitute, which could be enough to earn him his first league start in about a month.

Amid Athletic’s struggles to score goals, their defence remains hard to break down. They have conceded just 14 goals this season, the second-best defensive record in La Liga behind Sevilla.

Athletic’s home form is also helping keep them in midtable. Four of their five wins this season have been at the San Mames, including each of their last three.

History

Real Madrid have absolutely dominated Athletic Bilbao over the years. They have won 23 of their last 30 La Liga meetings, with just two defeats and five draws.

Real are undefeated in their last 13 league matches, with wins in five of their last six. Athletic’s last win over Los Blancos came back in 2015.

Real did the double over Bilbao last season, which included a narrow 1-0 win at San Mames. Although, Bilbao did beat Real 2-1 in the Supercopa thanks to a Raul Garcia brace.

Real won their first meeting over Bilbao earlier this month thanks to a Karim Benzema strike. Benzema has scored three goals in his last two home games against Bilbao.

Betting Tip 

	Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid	1X2 Real Madrid @ 2.23
	December 23, 4:30 (GMT+8)

SBOTOP odds have Real Madrid installed as slight 2.23 favourites to beat Athletic Bilbao, who are priced at 3.10 to get another home win. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.35.

Even with their recent slip-up against Cadiz, Real still look like a strong bet to beat Bilbao in midweek. In fact, their inflated odds make them even more appealing.

Athletic will do their usual stuff and try to make things as difficult for Madrid, but in the end, the attacking quality of Real – with Benzema, Vinicius, Modric, etc. – should once again win out in the end.

 

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