Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid Prediction 22.01.2023

• Competition: LaLiga
• Date: 22.01.2023.
• Kickoff: 20:00 UTC / 21:00 CET
• Venue: Estadio San Mamés (Bilbao)

In this match of the 18th round of the strongest Spanish football league, both teams enter after successful efforts in the 1/8 finals of the Copa del Rey. Athletic Bilbao eliminated Espanyol, while Real Madrid advanced to the next stage after an upset against Villareal.

Bilbao has had a very solid season so far. In some way, they spoiled the impression and performance in the last 3 rounds in which they won only 2 points. Defeat against Sociedad in the previous round meant that Bilbao dropped to 8th place in the table. However, 4th place and placement in the Champions League is only 2 points away.

Defeat in La Liga against Villareal moved Real Madrid away from leaders Barcelona. Now the difference between them in the first two positions is 3 points. Real Madrid successfully rematched Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, but they will have to overcome another difficult away game in order to keep up with their biggest rival from Catalonia.

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid pick: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

As is well known, the Basque club is very strong at home and they won most of the points this season at their stadium. They conceded only 4 goals against San Mames in 9 matches played, and if we look back at the tradition against Real Madrid, only 5 conceded goals in the previous 7 matches is another very encouraging fact. Last season, Real Madrid won once and lost once in Bilbao. As many as 5 of the 6 previous direct duels in Bilbao ended under 2.5 goals and we expect a close match and a similar outcome.