{"id":1450343,"date":"2026-05-21T10:50:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T09:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1450343"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:50:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T09:50:26","slug":"match-preview-real-madrid-vs-athletic-bilbao-23-05-26-la-liga","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-real-madrid-vs-athletic-bilbao-23-05-26-la-liga\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: predictions, stats, tips & odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Real Madrid<\/a> host Athletic Bilbao<\/a> at the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u this Saturday, 23 May, with kick-off set for 8pm (UK time). <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The backdrop is one of overwhelming historical dominance for the hosts, who have claimed 13 wins in the last 19 meetings between the sides, and enter this contest as La Liga<\/a>‘s most prolific attack. With both teams seeking strong finishes to the 2025\/26 campaign, all eyes are on whether Athletic can defy the odds and claim a statement result in Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on season-long attacking output, head-to-head trends, and defensive reliability, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in a home win for Real Madrid, given their record and statistical edge across all key areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our Prediction<\/th>\nOdds & Bookmaker<\/th>\nConfidence<\/th>\nWhy We’re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Real Madrid to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n40\/85 @ Bet365<\/a>
(68.0%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing Real Madrid because they’ve won 13 of the last 19 vs Athletic, including 3-0 away earlier this season. Their attack has produced 73 goals (59% possession average) while Athletic have let in 54 and kept just 6 clean sheets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 to Score Anytime<\/strong><\/td>\n4\/7 at Bet365<\/a><\/td>\n\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nMbapp\u00e9 leads the league with 24 goals and is outperforming his expected goals by a huge margin. Athletic’s defence has struggled, so there could be value in the Frenchman finding the net again.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n

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    Season Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Real Madrid’s title challenge has been built on a league-best attack (73 goals, 52 assists) and a watertight defence with 14 clean sheets. Athletic, by contrast, have struggled for consistency, conceding 54 and winning just 35% of their matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Real Madrid<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n37<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n73<\/td>\n33<\/td>\n+40<\/td>\n83<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Athletic Bilbao<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n37<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n41<\/td>\n54<\/td>\n-13<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n