With the growing intensity of rivalries between Bilbao and Madrid, the San Mame’s Stadium will play host to the intense battle. The match schedules for 15th Match with the kickoff off at 18 GMT for the two Spanish giants.
Coach Diego Simone will be heading into the match with a smile on his face. The side edged outside Liverpool with a 2-3 win at the Anfield breaking a two-year unbeaten streak. The side advancing in the last 16 knockout stages spells different reactions for Simone.
However, the side will have to put their focus on the La Liga with hopes of Champions League football. The side is currently 6th in La Liga with only one point clear off Champions League qualification.
Athletico Bilbao experiences a fall from grace after an impressive first league starts to the La Liga. The side is currently 10th on the table with 37 points. However, Coach Garitano will build up steam following two successive wins in the past fixture.
A last-minute strike from Cordoba was enough to seal off a 4-1 thrashing of side Real Vallavoid. The side will be redeeming them on and off streak that cost the side a top spot among the top tier clubs in La Liga.
Athletico Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid Head to Head
The sides have met in 31 games in the La Liga with Atletico Madrid taking home 22 wins while Bilbao with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Atletico Madrid 2-0 Athletico Bilbao
Athletico Bilbao 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 3-2 Athletico Bilbao
Athletico Bilbao 2-0 Atletico Madrid
Atheltico Bilbao 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Athletico Bilbao
Athletico Bilbao 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Athletico Bilbao 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Athletico Bilbao Team News
Forward Inaki Williams is recovering from a hip injury picked up at the beginning of the year. The forward has been back in training and came on as a sub and scored a goal. Another injury boost for Garitano is the return of Arturo Aduriz to full training.
Athletico Madrid Team News
After a long injury spell, controversial forward Diego Costa made a comeback during their Champions League win over Liverpool. Another notable feature was young star Jaoa Felix recovering from a minor knee injury. Talisman Morata netted the equalizing goal for the side and will be in contention for a start after coming on as a sub.
Prediction and Odds
In conclusion, Atletico Madrid will be using their newfound winning ways from the Champions League while Bilbao is still rediscovering their winning ways.
Atletico Madrid win
Both Teams to Score
Goals Under 2.5