Atletico Madrid
- Oscar Fernandez has brought a unique blend of tactical discipline and free-flowing play to Atletico Madrid since taking the reins in July 2021.
- but his side are in a sticky streak at the moment, with one win and four defeats from their last five matches in all competitions.
- Atletico have won 13, drawn one and lost just two of their 16 home games in LaLiga 2025/2026, however, so they will be confident of putting that run right on Saturday.
Athletic Bilbao
- Athletic Bilbao have had a disappointing mid-table season in 9th, 41 points from 32 games, and Ernesto Valverde’s men have had an up and down run of late, winning two and losing three of their last five.
- Valverde’s tactics have given Athletic a real identity since taking the helm in July 2022, but their away form has been patchy.
- Bilbao have won just three, drawn three and lost nine of their 15 away LaLiga 2025/2026 games, scoring an average of just 0.87 per game (13 goals).
Key Players
Alexander Soerloth is the top scorer for Atletico in LaLiga 2025/2026, with 10 goals from 30 appearances , and is the main threat for his side, while Gorka Guruzeta leads the line for Athletic with eight goals in 29 games , scoring two of Bilbao’s last four.
Betting Insights
- The home side, who will be desperate to get back on track, are favourites at 2.33, which is a good price considering their fine home record.
- Athletic, despite their clinical finishing, will probably be shut out in this fixture by an Atletico Madrid defence that has conceded just 14 goals in 16 home matches, with odds of 2.0 for Both Teams to Score - No and 1.97 for Over 2.5 goals suggesting this should be a high-scoring fixture with one side coming up short.
Prediction
- Atletico’s compact, disciplined defensive set up, which allows them to press high up the pitch and dominate transitions, should come up against Athletic’s high-tempo, direct style on Saturday in what could be a thrilling encounter.
- The battle between Atletico’s full-backs and Athletic’s wide players, and the ability of both managers to get their respective midfield pivots to control the game will be key to who wins this clash.
