Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid prediction 05.09.2026 | La Liga

Athletic Club return to San Mamés after claiming their first victory of the Edin Terzić era with a 2:0 success at Celta Vigo.

Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro scored in an impressive first-half performance as the Basque side claimed a deserved win at Stadio Abanca Balaídos.

That victory provided a much-needed response after losses against Sevilla and Barcelona in their opening two fixtures.

Bilbao also suffered defeat in their final two pre-season friendly fixtures, with their four-game losing run finally ending in Compostela.

A lack of goals remains an issue for the home side. Bilbao scored only six goals in their last seven competitive fixtures. Five of those seven games finished with fewer than three match goals.

Head coach Terzić has four confirmed absentees this weekend. The hosts are unable to call on Peio Canales, Beñat Prados, Dani Vivian and Unai Egiluz through injury.

Terzić made seven changes at Balaídos, with Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Beñat Gerenabarrena forming an effective midfield partnership. Nico Williams started on the bench at Celta but could return to the first XI this weekend.

Atlético Madrid travel to Bilbao after producing their most convincing display of the new campaign with a 3:1 victory at Sevilla.

Álex Baena scored twice, while Ademola Lookman also found the net in a dominant first-half performance at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

The result moved Simeone’s side onto seven points following a 2:0 win against Málaga and a 2:2 draw with Villarreal in the first two weeks of the new season. 

Past encounters against Bilbao have been tight, particularly at this venue. Atletico lost three of their last four trips to San Mamés including a 1:0 defeat last season. 

Head coach Simeone has just one confirmed absentee. Alexander Sørloth remains unavailable with a muscular injury, but Julian Álvarez has returned to group training following an illness. 

The Argentine could be included in the squad for the first time this term after remaining at Atlético beyond the transfer deadline. 

Lookman is expected to continue in attack if Álvarez is not considered ready to start.