This Tuesday, December 15 at 22:00 CET, Athletic Club visit Real Madrid. However, unlike almost every other year, this time around the clash will not take place at the Santiago Bernabéu, with it being held instead at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
In recent seasons, the lions have managed decent results in the Spanish capital city, coming back to Bilbao with a couple of draws from the past three matches.
The most recent clash between Real Madrid and Athletic at the Santiago Bernabéu was an action-packed goalless draw. In what was the last fixture of 2019, one player in particular stood out — Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Simón pulled out a variety of top-class saves to prevent the lions from conceding. He provided the solid base which allowed Athletic to force Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois into action at the opposite end.
The other standout act was the Red-and-White fans. Thousands of Athletic supporters travelled down to Madrid from Bilbao, and their vociferous support was a vital component in the lions’ proud performance.
What’s more, two seasons previous, in the 2017-18 campaign, Athletic also gained a point on their travels to the Santiago Bernabéu.
A deft finish by Iñaki Williams gave Athletic the lead, and it seemed as though the lions would return to Bilbao with all three poins in tow, but Cristiano Ronaldo spoilt the party with an equaliser just before full-time.
Squad list: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (Copa semi-final)
First Team
Marcelino has called up all the players for Thursday’s semi-final against Levante UD at the Ciutat de València
Marcelino: “We’re going to give it everything”
First Team
Marcelino previewed Thursday night’s Copa showdown with Levante UD
Going for a third final in 2021
First Team
Athletic face Levante at the Ciutat de Valéncia on Thursday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals (1-1 first leg).
Highlights I Levante UD 1-1 Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
First Team
A game of two penalties, as both sides get a point
Marcelino: “A victory for us would’ve been fair”
First Team
Marcelino bemoaned the defensive mistakes that led to Levante’s goal
Athletic held to frustrating draw by Levante
First Team
Despite constantly threatening, Athletic only pick up one point from a match where both goals came from the penalty spot
Confirmed line-ups: Levante UD vs Athletic Club
First Team
The XI’s for tonight’s LaLiga match at the Ciutat de Valéncia
Global TV Guide: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
First Team
When and where to watch Athletic’s upcoming LaLiga match against Levante UD
Marcelino: “We’re focused on winning tomorrow”
First Team
Marcelino looks ahead to Friday night’s LaLiga Santander match against Levante UD
Squad list: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (LaLiga Matchday 25)
First Team
Marcelino has called up 23 players for Friday night’s clash with Levante UD at the Ciutat de València