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Atlético Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao
There is also exciting football on the schedule from the European stadiums during the week. For example, the semi-final in the Supercopa de Espana will take place next Thursday. In addition to the great classic between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid (Barcelona vs Real Madrid tip), Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao will face each other in the second semi-final. We see both teams on roughly the same level, although Atletico will have a slight edge here due to their much better squad.
Before we go into more detail about the two teams, let’s first take a look at their performances in recent weeks. The reigning champions from Madrid are in fourth place in the table and the gap to their city rivals Real Madrid is already an incredible 16 points. If we take another look at Bilbao, 28 points and ninth place are clearly too few for the Basques. Both teams would do well to reach the final of the Supercopa.
Atlético – Bilbao info
– Date & Time: 13/01/2022, 20:00 hrs.
– Venue: King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
– Competition: Supercopa, semi-finals
– TV coverage: –
Atlético form & balance check
If we’re honest, we can’t give the reigning Spanish champions too good a first-half report card. Even though the Rojiblancos made it through the group stage in the Champions League and will now face Manchester United in the round of 16, their performances in the domestic La Liga in particular have to be considered extremely disappointing. They were supposed to defend their title this year, but given that they are 16 points behind the royals from Madrid, it is unlikely that they will win the title.
Will they make it to the final?
The tough semi-final against Bilbao in Saudi Arabia awaits next Thursday. In this match, it will be important for Atletico to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves. In contrast to last season, the champions’ entire attack this year seems noticeably lacking in danger. With seven goals, Correa and Suarez are Atletico’s two most dangerous players. We can be curious to see who will score the goals in the semi-final against Bilbao.
Atlético facts & analysis
– Only played 2-2 on the last matchday against Villarreal
– Top scorer is Angel Correa with 10 direct goals (7 + 4)
– Away, Atlético have won only one of their last 8 matches
Bilbao form & balance check
Athletic Bilbao have a great opportunity to reach the final of the Supercopa des Espana next Thursday. Coach Marcelino García’s team can forget their domestic La Liga woes for a brief moment and play liberated, so to speak. If we take a look at their recent performances, they have been more than mixed. From the last five games, there have been two wins, two draws and one defeat. Bilbao could not win the dress rehearsal for the match against Atletico. Against Alaves, the Basques could not get beyond a goalless 0-0 draw.
Defensive hui, offensive pfui
Bilbao’s strengths have become very clear this season. With just 17 goals conceded, the Basques have the second-best defence in the entire league. Only the Andalusians of Sevilla FC are even safer with 13 goals conceded. Unfortunately, the compact back line is at the expense of the offensive. Coach Marcelino’s team still has some catching up to do there. Against Madrid, it will be important to find a good mix of defensive work and offensive relief.
Bilbao facts & analysis
– Only 17 goals conceded
– Offensive extremely harmless (21 goals)
– Last only 0-0 against Alaves
Predicted line-up – last update on 11 January 2022
Atlético Madrid will once again go for a classic 4-4-2. Coach Simeone will send his best eleven onto the pitch and that is also noticeable in the names. Cunha will have to make way for Griezmann. Koke moves back into the starting line-up. The upcoming opponents from Bilbao also rely on a 4-4-2, with Williams expected to fire the Basques into the final.
Atlético – Bilbao direct comparison & Statistics
Both teams have faced each other 183 times in their long history. Madrid have been victorious 85 times. Bilbao have won 66 times. In 32 games, both teams shared the points.
Athletic Bilbao’s last away win at Atlético Madrid was in 2011.
– The average goals scored in a meeting between Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao is 2.
– Atlético Madrid have scored in each of their last 5 matches
– Atlético Madrid have won only 1 match out of their last 5 in all competitions against Athletic Bilbao
