La Liga: Atleti Can See Off the Basque Threat

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid’s La Liga title defence – which has been so far so good – continues on Saturday as they come face-to-face with Athletic Bilbao.

Diego Simeone’s side is already up with the leaders, but they face another club that has made an impressive start to the 2021/22 season. It’s third versus fifth as two teams with unbeaten records come together.

Los Rojiblancos are level on ten points with the joint leaders, Real Madrid and Valencia, while the Basque giants are just two points and two places behind.

This is Los Rojiblancos’ biggest test so far, but Simeone knows how to win the big games and I expect him to mastermind an efficient and professionally executed victory. But any slip in Atleti’s high standards will open the door for a dangerous opponent.

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La Liga

Talking Points

Griezmann can win over the boo boys

Atleti come into the game on the back of a totally underwhelming performance against Porto in the Champions League, and we can expect a response against Bilbao, as Los Rojiblancos owe their fans one.

In front of an expectant crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night Simeone’s side failed to light any sort of spark, registering just five shots all game and only two on target as they extracted a disappointing and fully deserved 0-0 draw.

The re-signed Antoine Griezmann had a mixed reception when he climbed off the bench. Though many fans were keen to show their support for him there were loud whistles from some sections of the support when he took to the pitch.

They remember his acrimonious departure for Barcelona just two years ago and he is still a Blaugrana player, only back in Madrid on loan. But the Frenchman is a top-quality striker when he’s in the mood and was a fan favourite in his previous five-season stint at the club when he scored 94 goals in 180 appearances.

Things have been going to plan in the league. Simeone’s reigning champions are second favourites behind Real Madrid, at odds of 3.60, to retain the title according to the early season La Liga 2021 betting odds. They have been grinding out the results again, winning three matches by the odd goal and drawing the other 2-2 with Villarreal.

They return home on the back of a 2-1 league win away to Espanyol having beaten the Catalonians thanks to a dramatic late winner form Thomas Lemar. The newly promoted hosts led at half-time through a Raul de Tomas header, but when Yannick Carrasco equalised with ten minutes remaining, that set up the game for Lemar’s 99^th-minute clincher.

Atleti’s squad is just settling down now after the loan transfer of Saul Niguez to Chelsea and the return of Griezmann to the Wanda Metropolitano, and while the French striker is yet to hit form, wide man Angel Correa has begun the season in superb form with three goals and one assist.

Los Leones’ pushing for Europe

Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez scored during a La Liga match against Barcelona — Inigo Martinez during a La Liga match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona

Athletic Bilbao’s early La Liga 2021 results have been equally impressive and, after a disappointing midtable finish last term, the Basque boys are a good bet for a top-seven place.

Los Leones started with two draws, against Elche and then Barcelona, in a game they dominated after Barca defender Gerard Pique was injured and Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez gave the Basque team a deserved lead. Only a late surge and a goal from Memphis Depay denied Bilbao a deserved three points.

Marcelino’s team took inspiration from that performance and went on to beat Celta Vigo and Mallorca to climb up into the first Europa League spot, and they are determined to stay there or even climb higher.

Three stalwarts of the club have led the way so far: striker Inaki Williams has scored two goals while captain Iker Muniain has made three assists, and Spain keeper Unai Simon is a top-class last line of defence.

History

With a lead of 32 victories to 15 in the head to head stats since 1993, Los Rojiblancos are well accustomed to beating Athletic Club, and they are unbeaten against Saturday’s opponents in the last 11 meetings at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Both games last season were won 2-1 by the home side, as Atleti triumphed in March and Bilbao took the three points in April.

The visitors will take some breaking down. Bilbao come into the game unbeaten in six and without a loss in their last four away games.

Betting Tip

	Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao	Atletico Madrid Correct Score 2-0
	September 18, 22:15 (GMT+8)

Atleti’s SBOTOP odds for an expected home win are at around 1.62, while Athletic Bilbao are available at 5.00 with the draw at 3.95.

Player for player, the hosts have more quality than their opponents and I expect home advantage to tip the balance, and sooner or later Griezmann will remind the Madrid fans what they have been missing.