Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid
The wait is finally over and we are back in action with a big clash in San Mames on Sunday. It’s Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico in the province of Bilbao, always a La Liga classic and this time it’s sure to be no different.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico haven’t had the best of seasons and the break, due to coronavirus, may have given them a chance to reset and attack the mini-season ahead. There is plenty of work to do to secure a top four place, as well as a Champions League campaign still in process.
In contrast Athletic Club’s campaign already looks pretty much done and dusted; comfortably placed in tenth and 12 points clear of the drop zone, they have a slim chance of qualifying for Europe, but with some ground to make up the Basque club needs to go on a spectacular run.
But the Athletic Club vs Atletico betting odds points to a hard fought game, and the hosts will certainly do their utmost to give their visitors and uncomfortable start.
Talking Points
Atleti looking for Anfield form
Diego Simeone’s side will be desperate to get back into action after three months delay. Los Rojiblancos’ last act was to dump Liverpool out of the Champions League, a result which looked likely to kick-start Atleti’s campaign before the final run-in.
A double strike from Marcos Llorente and a late winner from Alvaro Morata gave Atleti a stunning 2-3 win at Anfield, and a 2-4 win on aggregate, to take the Spaniards into the final eight of Europe’s premier competition.
Diego Simeone has struggled with his front line since the departure of Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona, with a collection of misfiring and injured strikers; and he hopes that Llorente could convert from his midfield role to a more advanced position, much as former Atleti star Raul Garcia has done at Athletic Club. Simeone has been trying Llorente out as a forward in training sessions, and his strong physique and aggressive pressing style could ignite Atleti’s front line.
There is no shortage of quality in Simeone’s squad, top scorer Alvaro Morata is a proven striker while surely there is a lot more to come from 2019 recruit Joao Felix, and Angel Correa, with five goals and five assists, is a consistent performer.
The visitors need to be on the front foot in Bilbao, having struggled on the road this season, winning just three of their 13 away games. But with midfield star Saul Niguez also committing his future to the club they can play without distraction.
Here at SBOBET we’re backing Atletico to secure a top four place again and they certainly have the players and experience to make sure it happens.
Will home advantage still work for Bilbao?
In normal times we’d say that home advantage could play a big part in this match, but these are anything but normal times. Bilbao have lost just three at San Mames all season, while Atleti have failed to win in their last six away matches in Spain.
But Athletic Club veteran Raul Garcia has said it will be difficult to adapt to playing in empty stadiums and, as this is effectively the opening game of a mini-season, recent form counts for rather less.
Head coach Gaitzka Garitano will rely on Garcia, top scorer with nine goals, alongside Iker Muniain and Inaki Williams, to go after the Atleti defence early in the game, as the hosts score most of their goals in the first half.
Bilbao come into the game with the memory of a 1-4 victory over Real Valladolid in their last game before the break, to motivate them; because their passionate fans won’t be there.
History
Los Rojiblancos have won 31 of the 52 meetings since 1993 and there have been seven draws and 14 victories for Athletic Club. But while the historic Athletic Club vs Atletico results are very much in Los Rojiblancos’ favour, the last two meetings have been shared.
Atleti won the return match, at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium 2-0, but lost here in San Mames by the same score line last season
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid | 1X2 Atletico Madrid @ 2.29 |
| June 14, 20:00 (GMT+8) |
In a mid-season clash with a packed stadium in the Basque this would be a very tough test for any team, but the passionate Bilbao fans will be absent and so the teams will need to motivate themselves.
Athletic Club is at 3.30 to win, and the draw is at 3.05, but I’m backing Los Rojiblancos, the team with more to play for.
A low scoring game is on the cards, and 0-1 and 1-1 are both available at odds of 5.40.
Athletic Club score most of their goals in the first half, so Simeone will know that if his side keeps things tight for the first 45 minutes they have a big chance.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
