Match Pack: Athletic Club vs Real Madrid (LaLiga MD21)

This will be the Lions’ third match on the bounce at San Mamés and the second LaLiga Santander clash between Athletic and Real Madrid this month.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are top of the table with 43 points and have not tasted defeat in domestic competition since losing to RCD Espanyol on October 3. In fact, that was Los Blancos’ only loss so far this season.

Meanwhile, Athletic head into the clash in good spirits after breaking their run of poor luck with a hard-fought comeback win over Real Betis on Sunday afternoon.

Match Info
Real Madrid CF (Matchday 21)

San Mamés (Bilbao)

LaLiga Santander 2021/22

Wednesday December 22, 21:30 CET

How to Watch

We’ve compiled a list of official LaLiga TV operators and global kick-off times so you know when and where to watch the match!

Team News

Athletic Club coach Marcelino García Toral has named 21 players in his squad for Wednesday’s clash. Midfielder Dani García is back after serving a suspension for picking up five yellow cards.

Iñigo Martínez, Unai Simón, Jokin Ezkieta and Alex Berenguer are out of the squad after testing positive for COVID-19. For this reason, Bilbao Athletic players Julen Agirrezabala, Ander Iru, Aitor Paredes and Nico Serrano have been called up to the senior squad.

Dani Vivian, Yuri Berchiche -who was back to full training this week- and Asier Villalibre are still not fully ready for match action and will remain on the sidelines.

Marcelino’s Comments

Athletic boss Marcelino said the Lions were well prepared for Real Madrid’s visit and stressed his side have a good chance of defeating the LaLiga leaders as long as they perform at their best.

Catch the rest of the head coach’s press conference.

The Opponents

Along with Athletic Club and FC Barcelona, Real Madrid are one of LaLiga’s ever-presents, having never been relegated from the top-flight. Founded in 1902, they are one of the most highly decorated clubs in world football, with 34 LaLiga titles, 19 Copas del Rey, 11 Spanish Super Cups and 13 European Cups/Champions Leagues in their trophy cabinet.

Los Blancos last won the LaLiga title in 2019/20. That same season they also won the Supercopa after beating Atlético Madrid on penalties.

Real Madrid are heading to Bilbao with many absentees, eight of their players have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and have not made the journey north. Among those missing due to COVID-19 are: Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio, Marcelo, Isco, David Alaba, Andriy Lunin and Rodrygo.

Furthermore, right-back Dani Carvajal and midfielder Dani Ceballaos are out injured, while Brazilian centre-mid Casemiro will also be staying in Madrid as he serves a one-match suspension for receiving five bookings.

League position: 1st

Form over last five LaLiga matches: WWWWD

Last match: 0-0 vs Cádiz CF (H)

San Mamés welcomes the most complicated of opponents, but that said the Lions performed well in their most recent clash with Real Madrid, at Santiago Bernabéu on December 1.

Despite falling to defeat, Marcelino’s side deserved more and showed they are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti’s side come into the fixture off the back of a goalless draw at home to bottom-of-the-table team Cádiz CF.

Previous Meetings
Athletic and Real Madrid have met 181 times in the top flight. With a total of 51 wins, 36 draws and 94 losses, the head-to-head balance hangs in Madrid’s favour.

In terms of clashes at San Mamés, Los Rojiblancos have won 38 matches and drawn 19, while Real Madrid have taken all three points on 33 occasions.

The Lions have not had much luck against Real Madrid in Bilbao in recent times. Los Blancos took home all the three points in their last two visits, and in the two seasons beforehand Athletic managed a draw.

Geuria!, San Mamés’ in-built sportsbar, is the perfect place to meet up before Athletic vs Real Madrid. Located between Gates 13 and 15, the bar will be open from 20:00 CET onwards on Wednesday night. Come along and soak up the pre-match atmosphere at The Cathedral with fellow Athletic fans before kick-off.

In accordance with Basque Government regulations, you will have to show your COVID passport before entering the bar.