It’s no surprise which two teams are tied at the top of the table through the first three weeks of La Liga action. Barcelona and Real Madrid are once again proving they are cut above the rest of the competition, but this week Real Madrid will get a real test. They will travel north to Basque Country to take on an Athletic Bilbao team that is always difficult to play on the road. Both matches between these two sides ended in draws last season, so Real Madrid fans must be wary coming into this match.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from San Mames in Bilbao, Spain at 2:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
Spanish La Liga Betting at BookMaker.eu
Real Madrid -172
Athletic Bilbao +418
Draw +346
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
Athletic Bilbao have only played two matches so far this season, and both have come at home. They were slated to play Rayo Vallecano on the road two weeks ago, but that match was postponed due to continued concerns about the safety and security at Vallecano’s stadium.
Bilbao were somewhat fortunate to get the full three points in their first match. They were locked at 1-1 with Leganes for much of the game in their opener, but then Iker Muniain scored three minutes into stoppage time to give the home side the win. However, the club was not as fortunate against newly promoted Huesca. Bilbao had a 2-0 lead on Huesca midway through the second half, but then they took their foot off the gas pedal. Huesca scored in the 71st and 87th minutes to steal away a point, frustrating club supporters.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have picked up right where they left off after winning their third straight Champions League. They cruised to a 2-0 win over Getafe in their home opener, and then they followed that up with a 4-1 win over Girona in their first road tilt. Real were awarded two penalties for the tying and go-ahead goals in that one, before Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema finished things off.
In their last match, Real Madrid hammered Leganes 4-1. The match was level at one entering the second half, but then Karim Benzema took over. The club legend has stepped up in a big way without Cristiano Ronaldo to rely on, and he notched a brace to ensure Real got the victory.
Injury Report
Bilbao have three injuries to report. Forward Aduriz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of August, and he is unlikely to play in this one. Goalkeeper Iago Herrerin won’t play either as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury, and defender Lekue will miss the match as well.
There is only one injury to report for Real Madrid. Defender Jesus Vallejo injured his hamstring in early August, and he has yet to play.
Player to Watch
With Ronaldo gone, this is now Gareth Bale’s team. So far, the Welsh international has delivered. Bale isn’t the leading scorer, that honor goes to Benzema, but he has played very well and looks like his old self. He was somewhat stunted at times playing in Ronaldo’s shadow, but now he is free to move around the pitch and create.
Bale has formed a solid connection with Benzema, and the two are playing off of each other well. If that keeps up, Real Madrid could win an unprecedented fourth Champions League.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is one of the toughest venues to play at in the world. Bilbao has a policy of only using players from the Basque Region, and that has helped create a strong identity and home field advantage. However, they are on their third-choice goalkeeper after Kepa Arrizabalaga was sold to Chelsea and Herrerin was injured. That’s not good news with Real Madrid coming to town.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Real Madrid 2, Athletic Bilbao 1
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