Athletic Club vs Espanyol prediction 22.12.2025 | La Liga

Athletic Club return to La Liga action after a hard-fought 1:0 win against Ourense in the Copa Del Rey earlier this week. After a goalless 90 minutes, Mikel Jauregizar's extra-time goal secured a place in the next round for Los Leones. 

Bilbao have been in mixed form in recent weeks, with a lack of consistency evident in their recent results. Ernesto Valverde´s side won four and lost four of their ten previous games played since the start of November. 

Frequently involved in low-scoring outcomes, a lack of firepower has been the biggest concern for Bilbao this season. Los Leones scored just five goals across their last ten matches. Eight of those ten matches finished with fewer than three goals scored.

Head coach Valverde has a lengthy list of absentees for Monday´s La Liga contest. Beñat Prados, Aymeric Laporte, Maroan Sannadi and Unai Eguíluz are all ruled out. Daniel Vivian and Yeray Álvarez are suspended, while Yuri Berchiche and Robert Navarro are doubtful and will need late fitness checks.

Espanyol arrive in the Basque country with plenty of confidence after a narrow 1:0 win against Getafe last weekend. Leandro Cabrera´s second-half goal secured a vital away win for Manolo Gonzalez´s men. 

The Barcelona-based side have enjoyed a superb run in La Liga, with victories collected in each of their last four outings. Los Periquitos scored 1:0 victories in each of their three most recent league games, and now sit fifth in La Liga, seven points ahead of Bilbao. 

Like the home side, low-scoring outcomes have been a regular occurrence for the visitors. Five of their last six games finished with under 2.5 goals scored, while all but four of 15 previous meetings between these sides delivered the same outcome.

Head coach Gonzalez has a few expected absentees for the trip to Bilbao. Charles Pickel, Javi Puado and Ramón Terrats are likely to miss out for the visitors.