Athletic Club have one final chance to qualifty for European football as we see out LaLiga 2022/23 at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid.
The odds are stacked against Los Leones. If we are to finish seventh and qualify for the Europa Conference League, Athletic must take all three points in Madrid while hoping other results also go their way.
Match Info
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid)
LaLiga Santander 22/23 (Matchday 38)
Sunday June 4, 18:30 CEST
How to Watch
When and where to watch Sunday's duel at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Team News
Valverde has named the same 23-man squad as last week for Sunday's clash in Bilbao.
Jon Morcillo, Iñigo Martínez, Yeray Álvarez, and Dani García are unavailable with their respective injuries. Ander Herrera is back after recovering from a hamstring issue, as is Nico Williams, who has gotten over a stomach bug.
Bilbao Athletic midfielders Unai Gómez and Junior Bita have been called up as cover again.
Valverde's Comments
Catch up with what the gaffer had to say ahead of Sunday's clash.
The Opponents
Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti
One of the most highly decorated managers of all time, the Italian tactician has won it all. He is the only coach in history to win a first division title in all of the five top European leagues: AC Milan (2003/04), Chelsea (2009/10), Paris Saint-Germain (2012/13), Bayern Munich (2016/17) and Real Madrid (2021/22).
In addition to all those titles, he also has four Champions League winners medals in the cabinet: AC Milan (2002/03, 2006/07) and Real Madrid (2013/14, 2021/22).
Top goalscorer: Karim Benzema
Current club captain Benzema has been with Los Blancos for almost 14 years now. During that time he has scored 237 LaLiga goals in 438 appearances.
A series of injuries have limited the Frenchman's playing time this season, but he still remains a threat - and the side's top goalscorer - having netted 18 times in 23 matches.
Recent form (LaLiga): LWLWW
Real Madrid have stumbled slightly under the end of season squeeze, falling to defeats against Real Sociedad and Valencia CF. What's more, they still haven't wrapped up second place, with Atletico Madrid breathing down their neck just one point behind in third.
Previous Meetings
A LaLiga fixture that goes all the way back to the competition's first season in 1929. What's more, due to the fact neither side has ever suffered relegation, it's a match which has taken place every single season for 94 years.
Los Leones' away record against Real Madrid makes for tough reading. From 91 clashes, Athletic have won 13, drawn 17 and lost 61. Athletic's most recent LaLiga victory at the Santiago Bernabeu was a 0-2 win in 2004/05.
From their last five visits to Los Blancos' home ground, Athletic have drawn twice and lost three times.
The Zurigorri's most recent win over Real Madrid came in last season's Copa del Rey, with Alex Berenguer scoring an 89th minute winner to ensure Los Rojiblancos won the quarter-final tie.
Squad List: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD8)
First Team
Ernesto Valverde has named a 21-man squad for Saturday's Basque Derby at the Reale Arena
Valverde: "In my opinion, it's the best derby in LaLiga"
First Team
The boss spoke about the great atmosphere at Basque Derby matches where the football always come first
Global TV Guide: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD8)
First Team
Make sure you don't miss Saturday's Basque Derby, no matter where you are
Valverde: “It was a hard-fought match, as we expected"
First Team
The gaffer admitted he "would have liked to have won, but the sending off and the circumstances of the match have had a big impact"
Muniain goes joint second in Athletic appearance rankings
First Team
The current captain moves level with Txetxu Rojo in the club's all time standings/p>
Athletic close to snatching victory against the odds
First Team
The Lions pull off a 2-2 draw despite being a man down for the entire second half
Match Pack: Athletic Club vs Getafe CF (LaLiga MD7)
First Team
The Lions look to extend their unbeaten run with a win against Getafe in this mid-week fixture
Squad List: Athletic Club vs Getafe CF (LaLiga MD7)
First Team
Ernesto Valverde has named a 22-man squad for Wednesday's clash with Getafe CF in Bilbao (19:00 CEST)
Valverde: "I'm expecting a tough, complicated match"
First Team
The gaffer believes "being competitive and robust" will be key to the outcome of Wednesday's game
Practical Information: Athletic Club vs Getafe CF
First Team
Relevant information for anyone attending Athletic vs Getafe CF at San Mames on Wednesday night (19:00 CEST)