La Liga | Gameweek 26

Mar 1, 2025 at 8pm UK

Estadio Civitas Metropolitano

Atletico vs Athletic Bilbao

Match preview

After 25 games, Atletico are firmly in the La Liga title race, sitting third in the standings, just one point behind leaders Barcelona, with a record of 15 wins, eight draws and two defeats to their name, and 53 points to their name.

Simeone's side are aiming for three trophies this season, having reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, drawn 4-4 with Barcelona in the first leg of their last-four tie on Tuesday night, and will face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

It is an incredibly tough period for Atletico, with two of their next three European fixtures against Real Madrid before hosting Barcelona in La Liga on 16 March and the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on 2 April.

Atletico Madrid absolutely must keep racking up wins in La Liga if they hope to stay in the thick of the title race. After all, neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid are likely to drop many points along the way. Last weekend, the Colchoneros registered a resounding 3 - 0 victory over Valencia in Spain's top - flight competition.

This season, the capital - based side has been nothing short of impressive on home turf. From their 13 La Liga fixtures at the Wanda Metropolitano, they've amassed a total of 28 points. Now, they're set to host Athletic Bilbao, a team that has managed to secure 20 points from their 12 away La Liga games this term.

Athletic Bilbao, too, is having an outstanding campaign. They enter this match on the back of a dominant 7 - 1 triumph over Real Valladolid last weekend. That result has propelled them to 48 points from their 25 league matches this season.

The Lions, as Athletic Bilbao is affectionately known, currently sit fourth in the table. They hold a 4 - point advantage over fifth - placed Villarreal and are a mere 6 points adrift of the league leaders. At this stage of the season, Ernesto Valverde's men are very much in the running for the title.

It's been a long time since Athletic Bilbao finished fourth in La Liga; the last time was way back in the 2013 - 14 season. So, qualifying for the Champions League next season would be quite an accomplishment. Their most recent La Liga title dates back to the 1983 - 84 season.

The Basque outfit has been on an incredible run, remaining unbeaten in their last 16 league matches. Their last defeat came against Girona at the very start of October. Additionally, they're vying for glory in European competitions this term, gearing up to face Roma in the round of 16 of the Europa League.

In fact, Athletic Bilbao has won 3 out of their last 5 encounters against Atletico Madrid across all competitions. However, they've suffered defeats in the last two league meetings between the two sides, including a 1 - 0 loss at San Mamés earlier this season.

Recent Performance

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:LDWDDW

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):WWDDWD

Athletic Bilbao La Liga form:WDDWDW

Athletic Bilbao form (all competitions):DWDWDW

Team News

Atletico might once more be deprived of the services of seasoned midfielder Koke due to a minor ailment. However, aside from this, Diego Simeone's team is in top - notch condition for their encounter with Athletic.

Head coach Simeone is set to make alterations to the lineup that started in the Copa del Rey match against Barcelona. Samuel Lino and Jan Oblak are likely to return to the starting XI, and Robin Le Normand is also vying to be part of the action from the kick - off.

Alexander Sorloth found the back of the net again as a substitute against Barcelona. But it is expected that Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez will spearhead the attack in the final third of the pitch. Alvarez has now scored 20 goals in all competitions this season.

Regarding Athletic, Alvaro Djalo remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Fortunately, the Basque club didn't incur any new problems in their previous fixture against Real Valladolid.

Given the impressive performance in the last game, it's possible that head coach Ernesto Valverde will field a similar lineup. Nico Williams scored a brace, and the Spain international will line up on the opposite side of his brother, Inaki Williams.

Maroan Sannadi netted his first goal for Athletic in the previous match against Real Valladolid. The 24 - year - old is anticipated to keep his place in the center of the pitch for the Lions this weekend.

Possible starting lineup

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Llorente, Lino; Griezmann, Alvarez

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:

Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Jauregizar, Vesga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Sannadi