La Liga: Bounce Back-a-bility is Crucial as Real Return to Domestic Duties

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

It would be wrong, although totally understandable, to say Real Madrid have suffered a dagger blow to the heart this week.

It just feels like it because the champions of Spain and Europe have a love affair with Europe like no other.

A record 15-times winners of the European Cup and Champions League, Los Blancos take it almost personally if they are eliminated from the competition they store most in.

This week’s fairly meek exit against Arsenal in the quarter-finals has, according to the media, increased the pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti.

That in itself is ridiculous given the success he has delivered to the club during two spells and the fact he is arguably the greatest manager in the game today.

Yet that is the reality at Real – regardless of the fact they are still in contention to defend their La Liga title and are in the final of the Copa del Rey.

 

Talking Points

It means all eyes will be focusing on whether they can bounce back and deliver La Liga 2025 highlights in the Bernabeu this weekend when they host Athletic Bilbao. Victory would keep up the pressure in the title race against opponents who are also chasing end of season glory as they look to build on last season’s Copa del Rey triumph.

Bilbao are in fourth place in the standings and have also reached the last four of the Europa League, a result which helped secure an extra Champions League spot for Spanish clubs next term, so cannot be taken lightly.

They also have in their ranks one of the stars of Spain’s Euro 2024 success in Nico Williams.

Real will be without the services of leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe this weekend due to suspension, although fellow French man Eduardo Camavinga will return from a European ban.

Inaki Williams and Yuri Berchiche missed out against Rangersin the Europa League on Thursday night with a muscular problem and adductor injury respectively, and it is unlikely either will be risked from the start.

Against Arsenal, there was a tiredness about Real and little spark – not something this SBOTOP observer has really written about the top team on planet football.

The feeling remains though that, as Real need the points even more this Sunday – they currently trail Barca by four points – they will find a way.

 

History

A contest with real heritage and pedigree.

The very first meeting was actually a final and can be traced back to 1903 – the Copa de Rey showpiece that year and won by the Basque club as they edged ahead in the best of five goals.

That was the first of eight finals they contested between 1903 and 1943 with Bilbao winning five of them.

Their very first league meeting was a 5-1 rout in favour of Real. Their scorers that day: Lozano, Morera, Lozcano (two) and Gaspar Rubio with Lafuente relying for the Athletic club.
Much has changed over the last half century or so.

Madrid have dominated generally in modern times but Bilbao have actually got the better of their illustrious counterparts on occasions.

Cast your mind back to the 2021 Spanish Super Cup and a Bilbao victory in the semi-final over Real through two Raul Garcia goals which sealed victory before they went onto lift the trophy.

Madrid won the corresponding meeting last season when Rodrygo grabbed a brace in a 2-0 home success.

However, it was a different scenario earlier this term in the Basque Country when Bilbao inflicted potential damage on their opponents’ title bid

The marksmen were Alex Berenguer and Guruzeta with Jude Bellingham replying for Real, who missed a penalty.

It was 2005 when Bilbao last won at the Bernabeu in La Liga – a 2-0 success courtesy of Asier Del Horno and now Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

Real’s three substitutes that day were arguably the best bench in history – Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Ronaldo.

 

Betting Tip

Betting against Real Madrid at home takes a brave and/or stupid punter and even against as an accomplished outfit as Bilbao, the La Liga 2025 betting odds are not expecting anything unusual.

Real are priced 1X2 @ 1.75 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.05, while the Basque boys are on offer 1X2 @ 3.95 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 1.85.

The draw will pay out @ 3.62, while a re-run of last season’s meeting is available @ 9.40 with Correct Score 2-0, or do you fancy another 2-1 triumph for Bilbao which will earn you a pay day @ 13.50.

I cannot see past a victory for the Spanish champions on Easter Day and my *** bet is Half Time Full Time Home – Home @ 2.89.

   

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