On December 4, 2024, Athletic Bilbao will welcome Real Madrid to San Mamés for Matchday 19 of La Liga. The Basque side hasn’t beaten Los Blancos in the league since March 2015, making this clash a potential turning point in their rivalry.
Athletic Bilbao
Under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao has been enjoying a strong season, currently sitting in fourth place with 26 points after 15 matches. The team is unbeaten in their last six league games and has displayed an impressive attacking output with nine goals in their last five matches.
Key players such as brothers Nico and Iñaki Williams, along with top scorer Oihan Sancet (8 goals), are pivotal to their offensive success. Despite their solid form, the team’s defensive frailties remain an issue, with 14 goals conceded so far this season. Against a potent Real Madrid attack, these weaknesses could be exploited.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid, led by Carlo Ancelotti, is in second place in La Liga with 33 points from 14 matches. Their league form has been exceptional, with 30 goals scored and only 11 conceded.
Los Blancos have now found a strong balance between attack and defense, keeping three clean sheets in their last five games while scoring ten goals. Although their away performances have had some inconsistencies, Real Madrid remains a formidable opponent capable of adapting to high-pressure games.
Player to Watch: Iñaki Williams
Athletic Bilbao’s Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams is a player to watch in this encounter. With three goals and four assists this season, Williams has been a crucial part of Athletic’s attacking setup. His standout performance came against Espanyol on October 19, when he scored a brace.
Related article: Inaki Williams Shines in Athletic Bilbao: Salary and Market Value of the Ghanaian Winger
Williams’ pace and ability to exploit defensive gaps could pose a serious threat to Real Madrid. Betting on him to score is an intriguing option for this match. The odds of the midfielder to find the back of the on Wednesday are estimated by 1xBet at XXX.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Athletic Bilbao’s home advantage and recent form make them a tough opponent, but Real Madrid’s firepower and defensive stability give them the edge. While Athletic might break their scoring drought against Los Blancos, a victory may still be out of reach.
For betting enthusiasts, this match offers plenty of options. Both teams to score (BTTS) is a solid pick, with odds of 1.72 on 1xBet, reflecting the attacking capabilities of both sides. Additionally, wagering on over 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.91 is a viable choice, given both teams’ recent goal-scoring form. For those eyeing individual player markets, betting on Iñaki Williams to score offers odds of 3.50, making it a high-reward option.
