On Saturday evening, San Mamés will host an intriguing La Liga clash as Athletic Bilbao takes on Atletico Madrid, with both teams yet to hit their stride this season. Athletic Bilbao heads into the match on the back of a 1-0 win over Valencia on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, drew 0-0 with Espanyol at Wanda Metropolitano on the same night.
This summer, Athletic made three signings, including the notable addition of Alvaro Djalo, but the key achievement was retaining Nico Williams despite interest from clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Liverpool. With four points from three games, Ernesto Valverde’s team is currently in 10th place and will be aiming for another win before the September international break.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid: Team Form & Head-to-Head
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Athletic’s season began with a 1-1 draw against Getafe on August 15, followed by a 2-1 loss to Barcelona last weekend, which created some pressure heading into the Valencia game. While Athletic’s performance against Valencia was modest, they secured all three points with a goal from Benat Prados in the 45th minute.
In their previous encounter with Atletico Madrid last April, Athletic lost 3-1, but they won 2-0 in the corresponding fixture of the 2023-24 season. Atletico Madrid is unbeaten so far this season but has yet to find consistent form, drawing two of their first three games.
After a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in their opener and a 3-0 win over Girona, Atletico was held to a 0-0 draw by Espanyol. They are currently fourth in the table with five points and will resume after the international break with a home match against Valencia.
The Red and Whites, who finished fourth last season, have been active in the transfer market, bringing in Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand, Alexander Sorloth, Juan Musso, and Clement Lenglet. They have also seen major departures, including Joao Felix, Samu Omorodion, Alvaro Morata, and Caglar Soyuncu.
Team News
Athletic Bilbao will be missing Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, and Unai Simon against Atletico Madrid due to injury. No new injuries were reported from the Valencia game, but changes are expected with Nico Williams and Mikel Vesga likely to be included. Djalo is anticipated to start on the left, with Williams possibly playing as a false nine.
For Atletico Madrid, Marcos Paulo remains sidelined, but the squad is otherwise in good shape. Antoine Griezmann and Jose Gimenez are set to return to the starting lineup, while Samuel Lino might switch to a wing-back role. Griezmann is expected to play a slightly deeper role to allow Sorloth and Alvarez to lead the attack, with new signings Lenglet and Gallagher likely starting on the bench.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid: Probable Starting XI
Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Vesga, Prados; I Williams, Sancet, Djalo; N Williams
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Witsel, Gimenez, Lino; De Paul, Koke, Griezmann; Sorloth, Alvarez
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