Athletic Club vs Real Madrid Tips: Courtois to be kept busy in Bilbao
Real Madrid’s grip on La Liga has loosened in recent weeks amid a three-game domestic dip and they next face a stern test from an improving Athletic Club at San Mames on Wednesday.
Xabi Alonso’s side have looked vulnerable, dropping points in consecutive draws against lowly Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona.
None of that trio are currently higher than Athletic Club in eighth place, although Ernesto Valverde’s side are desperate to close the 11-point gap to the top four.
This fixture has historically been one of the most atmospheric in Spanish football. Athletic Club’s supporters create a cauldron at La Catedral, and their team often rises to the occasion against the giants of Madrid.
With Nico Williams back in sparkling form and the Basques still rarely beaten at home, Los Blancos know they will need to be at their best to avoid another setback.
Let’s take a look at our best bets for one of La Liga’s standout midweek matches…
Tip 1 – Athletic Club Double Chance @ 11/10
San Mames was a fortress the last time Real Madrid made the trip to Bilbao with Athletic Club having lost only one of their previous 26 home fixtures.
And the champions were sent packing with their tails between their legs after Gorka Guruzeta sealed a 2-1 home win in the 80th minute.
Valverde’s side have already suffered two home defeats in La Liga this term, but they are performing much better now than a few weeks ago and will be facing an out-of-sorts Madrid side.
Their pressing game and intensity often unsettle the big guns, and Real Madrid’s recent struggles point to another potentially difficult evening.
Los Blancos have shipped six goals in their last three games in all competitions, but for Kylian Mbappe, may have been arriving on the back of consecutive defeats.
Backing Athletic on the Double Chance market covers both a home win and a draw, offering strong value given the circumstances.
Tip 2 – Nico Williams to Score or Assist @ 8/5
Nico Williams has shaken off months of injury-plagued mediocrity in the last few games and looks to be getting back to his best.
He authored a sensational solo goal in Athletic Club’s 1-0 win over Real Oviedo in early November and was on the scoresheet again last weekend, courtesy of an audacious chip against Levante.
Against Madrid’s back line, which has looked shaky under pressure, Williams’ ability to stretch the game could be decisive.
His dribbling ability and pace could be more than a match for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is better going towards the opponents’ goal than when turned to face his own.
Whether cutting inside to shoot or delivering crosses for Gorka Guruzeta, Nico is central to Athletic’s attacking threat.
His direct involvement in a couple of recent goals makes him an excellent option to score or assist, especially in a high-intensity clash where Athletic Club will look to exploit Madrid’s defensive gaps in transition.
Tip 3 – Over 2.5 Real Madrid Goalkeeper Saves @ 9/10
Courtois has been kept busy behind a shaky Real Madrid defence over the past few games and is tipped to be in the thick of the action again here.
The Belgian keeper made three saves in his side’s 1-1 draw against Girona on Sunday and four in the preceding 2-2 La Liga draw at Elche.
His skills were really put to the test at Anfield earlier in November when he made a total of eight saves, with the highlight coming in the 27th minute, when he denied Dominik Szoboszlai in a one-on-one at point-blank range.
Over the course of the last six weeks, Courtois has averaged 3.71 saves per match.
Athletic Club’s renewed attacking intensity should ensure the Real Madrid star is called into action repeatedly.
Backing over 2.5 saves aligns with both teams’ recent trends and reflects the likelihood of a high-tempo contest where the Basques bring their shooting boots.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change
