The Matchday 26 clash in La Liga between Atletico Madrid and Athletic will take place on March 1 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Atletico Madrid
In the previous round, the team successfully visited Valencia and thrashed one of the league's strugglers with a 3-0 scoreline. The Madrid side extended their unbeaten run in the league to five matches (2 wins and 3 draws) and recorded their fourth big win in this season's La Liga. The club sits in third place, just one point behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is also worth noting that Diego Simeone's side remains the best defensive team in La Liga, having conceded only 16 goals.
- The club has secured 10 wins in their last 14 La Liga matches (3 draws and 1 loss).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 6 of Atletico's last 7 league games.
- In this season's La Liga, Atletico has conceded more than one goal in just one of their 13 home matches.
Predicted lineup for Atletico Madrid (4-4-2)
Jan Oblak – Nahuel Molina, Clement Lenglet, Cesar Azpilicueta, Robin Le Normand – Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, Samuel Lino – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Athletic
In the last round, the Basque side recorded their biggest win of the current championship, defeating Valladolid 7-1 at home. The Williams brothers played a part in five goals in this match. As a result, the club's unbeaten run in La Liga has grown to 16 matches (9 wins and 7 draws). The team remains among the top four and is four points ahead of their closest rival.
- Both teams have scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 La Liga matches.
- The Bilbao club has scored at least two goals in 8 of their last 11 La Liga matches.
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 6 of Athletic's last 7 away league games.
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simon – Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche, Oscar De Marcos, Dani Vivian – Mikel Vesga, Mikel Haurregisarr – Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams – Maroane Sanadi.
Referee
Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
Matches – 12 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 82;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.8;
Red cards shown – 6;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 33%.
Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic: Match Prediction
In the central match of Matchday 26, I favor the hosts. Despite the Basque side's long unbeaten away run in La Liga, Atletico is unlikely to allow Athletic to earn points at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone's team is the only one in the league that has not lost at home this season, securing 9 wins and 4 draws.
Additionally, the capital club has a good record against Athletic. In the last 13 meetings at Atletico's ground, the Madrid side has not lost, winning 11 and drawing 2. Furthermore, the hosts have scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 9 league encounters at this stadium. It is crucial for Atletico not to drop points in the upcoming match, as they could fall significantly behind the two La Liga leaders.
My prediction: Atletico Madrid to win
