Bilbao – Real Madrid

The intermediate 5th stage of the Primera Division will feature the match between Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid at San Mames, surely the most anticipated clash of the round.

Athletic Bilbao could not maintain the momentum after winning the Supercup against Barcelona and the Basque side went on to lose 3 out of the 4 Primera Division matches played so far – including 1-3 to Villarreal over the weekend. Bilbao found a better groove in Europa League, winning 3-1 against Augsburg last week, but the hosts will need to show a better level if they want to get anything against an opponent like Real Madrid.

The visitors have been blessed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s magnificent form recently, with the Portugese striker scoring 8 times in the last 3 matches – even if he did not find the net in the last round against Granada, which saw a lesser performance form “Los Blancos”, 1-0. Real Madrid has won the last 4 matches without conceding a goal, scoring 16 times in the process, so Rafa Benitez’ side will be confident of securing a result at San Mames.

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Team news & lineups:

Muniain, Boveda and Ramalho are out for Athletic Club, while Iturraspe and Williams are questionable. Real Madrid will not have Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Danilo. Sergio Ramos is slightly doubtful.

Ath Bilbao: Iraizoz – Iraola, Laporte, Exteita, Balenziaga – Iturraspe, Rico – Gomez, Marcos, Susaeta – Aduriz

Real Madrid: Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo – Modric, Kroos, Isco – Vazquez, Ronaldo, Benzema

It`s always difficult to play at San Mames and Bilbao proved that they can take on the big boys with their performance against Barcelona in the Super Cup. However, Bilbao kept a single clean sheet in the last 8 matches in all competitions (against Zilina), while Real Madrid is scoring for fun right now. I reckon the defensive instability will cost Athletic Club and the visitors will get a crucial narrow victory.

I also expect Real Madrid to play a solid game after a lesser performance against Granada – they are in good form and two modest performances in a row are unlikely. My tip is a Real Madrid win and I will stake 7 units on this bet. Prediction: Athletic Bilbao – Real Madrid 1-3.

Pick: Real Madrid
Odds: 1.71 @ 10Bet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 4.97
Event date: 23 September