How much is behind the royal results crisis?
A crisis is defined very differently in different places and clubs. Nevertheless, in our Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid tip, we refuse to talk about the visitors having a bad run. Xabi Alonso is not entirely uncontroversial, but the statistics show how successful his football can actually be.
Ahead of the Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid prediction, the Royals have lost their position at the top of the table. After 14 matchdays, they are one point behind FC Barcelona – not an alarming situation. However, the club from the Spanish capital, which is accustomed to success, has been waiting for a win in the Spanish top flight since November 1 and has since ended three league games in a row with a point split.
According to expected points, however, Xabi Alonso’s protégés should be comfortably leading the table (30.6 xPTS – 3.6 expected points more than any other team in La Liga). In addition, the expected goal difference of +18.3 xGD (1st) is an indication of the actual dominance of the second-placed team in previous matches.
Ernesto Valverde’s team is currently eighth in the table and recently lost 4-0 to FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, Los Leones are promoting their team with the lowest expected goals against of any Spanish first division team (13.3 xGA).
In addition, this match will take place at San Mames Stadium – an arena that is defended with passion and great dedication by the men in red and white jerseys.
Athletic Bilbao – Real Madrid Head-to-head record
The history of this matchup gives us a good feeling. Seven of the eight previous encounters between the Lions and the Royals have seen a maximum of two goals scored in the game. This is in line with the average number of goals in Bilbao’s La Liga home games this year (2.00).
The Basques have often posed a threat to the White Ballet from Madrid in recent seasons, especially at the San Mames Stadium. Bilbao won two of their previous four home games against the current second-placed team. The home side lost the other two matches without scoring.
Athletic Bilbao – Real Madrid Tip
Recently, in most league games involving Los Leones, only one of the two participating teams came out on top. Five of Bilbao’s six previous matches in the Spanish top flight would have been successful with a bet on “Both teams to score – No.”
This option is worth considering. In the best soccer apps, you will find odds of around 2.10 for this. In addition, Real Madrid (13 goals conceded), the second-best defense, and Bilbao (13.3 xGA), the best expected defense in La Liga, will face each other.
Another factor is the personnel situation on Valverde’s side. At the moment, the hosts are missing a real goal scorer. Nico Williams and Robert Navarro are still the most successful scorers with three goals in 14 La Liga matches. However, the latter will be missing against the Madrid side, as will his offensive colleagues Maroan Sannadi and captain Inaki Williams. This makes it all the more important for the eighth-placed team to focus on their defensive work.
