Athletic Bilbao host Real Madrid at San Mamés on Wednesday, December 3 (7:00 PM CET / 1:00 PM EST) in a rescheduled La Liga clash with significant title implications. Real Madrid, sitting second on 33 points, can leapfrog Barcelona into first place with a victory. The Catalans, on 34 points, face Atletico Madrid the following day.
Where to Watch: ESPN Deportes / ESPN Select (USA), Premier Sports 2 (UK), DAZN (Spain)
Madrid’s Away Form Under Scrutiny
Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrives in Bilbao having drawn three of their last four away league matches. The pattern is concerning: Real Madrid generated 25 shots against Girona in their most recent trip but managed only a 1-1 draw. Conversion outside of Kylian Mbappé has been poor.
The Frenchman, however, is in blistering form. Mbappé scored all four goals in the 4-3 Champions League win over Olympiacos, suggesting when he clicks, Madrid clicks. But the defence has looked vulnerable on the road, conceding six goals across their last three away fixtures.
This marks Real Madrid’s fourth consecutive away game across all competitions. Liverpool, Elche, Olympiacos, Girona, now Bilbao. Fatigue could be a factor on a wet Wednesday night at the Cathedral.
Bilbao Depleted But Dangerous
Athletic face their own problems. Oihan Sancet and Yeray Álvarez are both suspended, stripping the team of creative and defensive quality. Iñaki Williams is nursing a muscle issue and remains doubtful. Nico Williams is managing pubalgia and may not be at full capacity.
That is a significant blow to Bilbao’s counter-attacking identity. The Williams brothers are central to everything Ernesto Valverde builds in transition, and Madrid’s high defensive line has shown vulnerability to pace this season.
Bilbao’s recent home form reads W-L-W, with just 1.0 goals per game at San Mamés in that window. They have failed to score in three of their last six matches across all competitions.
Head-to-Head Favors Madrid
Real Madrid have won the last two league meetings at San Mamés by identical 2-0 scorelines (August 2023, January 2023). In the last five encounters, Madrid have won by two or more goals three times.
Bilbao’s last home win over Los Blancos came in the Copa del Rey in February 2022.
Numbers to Watch
- 33: Real Madrid’s points tally. A win takes them to 36 and top of La Liga.
- 3 of 4: Madrid’s away league draws in recent weeks.
- 1.0: Bilbao’s goals per game at San Mamés in their last three home matches.
- 4: Mbappé’s goals in his last away game (vs Olympiacos).
- 0: Goals Bilbao have scored against Madrid in their last two San Mamés league meetings.
