Madrid, Spain — This Sunday, April 20, 2025, Real Madrid go face to face with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu, an important battle in La Liga Gameweek 32 that promises high stakes for both teams.
Los Blancos, recently knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, are seeking to turn their fortunes around with a domestic match against strong contenders Athletic Bilbao. After suffering a 5-1 aggregate loss in Europe, commitment needs to be refocused on La Liga, where they currently sit second, trailing Barcelona by four points.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti is under immense pressure as speculations grow regarding his future. “We’d like to thank the fans for their support,” he said after the Champions League match, as uncertainty looms about whether he will remain in charge next season.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, come into this match with confidence after securing their place in the Europa League semi-finals, defeating Rangers 2-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final. With a commendable record this season, they boast 57 points from 31 matches, sitting comfortably in fourth place and aiming for Champions League qualification next season.
In their previous encounter this season, Athletic emerged victorious 2-1 at home, showcasing their ability to compete against the top teams. The Basque side has only lost three out of 15 away matches this season, thus posing a significant challenge for Real Madrid. “We need to stay in touch with Barcelona,” said Ancelotti, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their title hopes.
In terms of squad news, Real Madrid will be without their star forward Kylian Mbappé, who is serving a one-match suspension for a red card received against Alaves. “We are missing a key player, but we have to adapt,” Ancelotti noted. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will return from suspension, while other teammates are nursing injuries and might be unavailable.
Athletic will assess their squad before the match, having no fresh injury concerns following their Europa League clash. They expect to welcome back key players, including Oihan Sancet, who scored in the previous round, as they aim for an upset at the Bernabéu.
Both teams will rely heavily on their attacking prowess. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior are crucial for a successful outing, while Athletic’s Nico Williams will be one to watch as he has the potential to exploit Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. The stage is set for an exciting contest, with both clubs eager to secure vital points.
Betting odds for the match indicate that while Real Madrid is favored to win at 1.64, Athletic Bilbao has an impressive 5.3 odds due to their current form. “We know how to prepare for these matches, and we will be ready,” said Athletic’s head coach Ernesto Valverde, boosting the spirits of his squad.
As the match approaches, the football community awaits a thrilling encounter that could significantly impact the standings in La Liga. With the championship title and European spots on the line, every point counts more than ever. Fans can look forward to a tactical showdown that promises to deliver excitement until the final whistle.
