Real Madrid face a huge test in La Liga later tonight as Xabi Alonso’s side take on Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Los Blancos surrendered top spot on the weekend to champions Barcelona, who have now moved four points clear with a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid yesterday evening.
Anything but a victory for Real in the Basque region of Spain could spell serious danger, as we approach the busy festive period.
We have previewed Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in full below, picking out some sports betting tips from the latest football odds available online.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Preview
November really was a month to forget from a Real perspective.
Alonso’s men picked up just one La Liga victory over Valencia (4-0), and that came on the very first day of the month!
Since then, Los Blancos have drawn three top-flight games vs Rayo Vallecano (0-0), Elche (2-2) and Girona (1-1), all of them away from home.
So it has been tough going for Real of late, with questions surrounding Alonso’s future at the club – and rumours circulating about Vinicius Junior’s ongoing contract situation.
As such, Bilbao will be looking to take full advantage of the disharmony in Madrid, and Ernesto Valverde’s side should be feeling fairly confident following last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Levante.
The Basque outfit have also won three of their last four home matches across all competitions, though did suffer a surprise 1-0 defeat to Getafe on October 25.
Bilbao were also beaten 4-0 by Barcelona at Camp Nou last month, but with Nico Williams back among the goals at Levante, the hosts have the attacking weapons to really hurt a wounded Real side.
Beware Kylian Mbappe, though…
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Despite being the away team, Real Madrid are still clear favourites for the win here at a price of 1.71. Athletic Bilbao are at odds of 4.60, while the draw is 4.00
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Kylian Mbappe @ 1.80
Mbappe was on target from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw at Girona, taking his La Liga tally for the season to 14 goals in as many matches. As such, wagering on him to find the back of the net always feels a safe bet.
Kylian Mbappe to have over 2.5 shots on target @ 2.63
Mbappe already has 28 shots on target in La Liga this season, nine more than any other player – and an average of two per game. With Bilbao likely to play on the front foot at their home ground, extra space may be left for Real on the counter, which Mbappe routinely exploits.
Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.66
While we are backing a Real goal, we also feel confident that Bilbao will strike at least once. The visitors have conceded six goals in their last three matches across all competitions, and looked rather fragile vs Girona on the weekend.
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