The Supercopa de Espana semi-final is back this week, with two sides coming from disappointing results during the weekend. Real Madrid welcome Athletic Bilbao at La Rosaleda on Thursday with kickoff at 11 pm.
Either Real Sociedad or Barcelona will wait in line for the winners of this tie, with the two Supercopa hopefuls facing against each other on Wednesday evening.
Storm Filomena was a major cause of concern in the La Liga fixture last weekend between Real Madrid and Osasuna. The La Liga champions could not get back on their perch, especially with the freezing conditions experienced at El Sadar Stadium.
The Los Blancos took to the pitch and looked the far dominant side but shared spoils with the home side. The condition to continue with the match did not sit well with Thibaut Courtois, who came guns blazing to the authorities for letting the match continue.
It was a surprise for Zinedine Zidane that league leaders Atletico Madrid had their match postponed. A win could have seen the Los Blancos surpass them, but a goalless stalemate ensures Atletico remain one point clear.
Marcelino was set to kickstart his tenure last weekend against league leaders Atletico. However, a heavy snowstorm prevented the away side from landing safely in the Spanish capital. Marcelino’s hope of a first win continues following their 3-2 defeat to Barcelona.
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
Both sides have 28 games against each other, with Real Madrid taking home 21 wins while Athletic Bilbao with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Osasuna 0-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo
Elche FC 1-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 2-0 Granada
Eibar 1-3 Real Madrid
Away
Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Barcelona
Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Elche FC
Bilbao 0-1 Real Sociedad
Villarreal 1-1 Bilbao
Bilbao 2-0 Huesca
Real Madrid Team News
Dani Carvajal was set to feature after a one-match suspension but remains unavailable with a muscular injury. Lucas Vazquez sets to continue at right-back with Federico Valverde pushing for a spot in midfield. Luka Jovic sets to miss out after a muscular problem.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
There are a couple of injury concerns to contend with ahead of the clash. Left-back Yuri Berchiche is a significant doubt after coming off last week with a thigh problem.
Prediction and Odds
We expect Madrid to come out all guns blazing, but Athletic will have some counter-firing also with Marcelino.
Real Madrid Win
Both Teams to Score
Most Goals: 1H