Bilbao up against it with trip to Madrid

Real Madrid faced a tougher match than anyone would have expected away to Ludogorets in the Champions League earlier this week and will be delighted to return to Spain for a home La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao. Despite not having everything their own way in Bulgaria, Real Madrid came away from the match with all three points, something which can not be said for their opponents Bilbao, who lost to BATE Borisov, a match that they should be winning if they want to progress from their Champions League group.

Real Madrid are sweating on the fitness of star man Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese picked up a knock against Ludogorets and trained on his own on Friday, as did Welshman Gareth Bale and Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping that both regain fitness in time for kick off. Madrid are still missing a few players due to injury, including Sami Khedira and winger Jese.

Athletic Bilbao have endured a less than impressive start to the season after doing so well in 2013/14 and will be praying that creative midfielder Iker Muniain and striker Aritz Aduriz are fit enough to start. The team is also likely to include Carlos Gurpegui and Markel Susaeta, who missed out in the Champions League last week.

It`s difficult to look beyond a home win in this one and Real Madrid are favourites with paddypower at 2/9 to come away with all three points. Following criticism from the local press in Spain, Karim Benzema came off the bench against Ludogorets to score the winner and should regain his place in the team at the expense of on loan Javier Hernandez. The French striker is available at 9/2 with bet365 to open the scoring. Having missed out from the start in midweek, Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez should make a return to the team and the summer signing is 11/2 with BetVictor to add to his one goal so far this season. Fellow summer signing, Toni Kroos, has chipped in with three assists but is still looking for his first goal, the German is 7/2 with SkyBet to score at any time.

Atheltic Bilbao have not won at the Bernabeu since 2005 and the bookies don`t fancy their chances again this time with odds as large as 14/1 being offered by bet365. The Basques will need striker Aduriz to perform if they are to get anything from the game and he is 12/1 with paddypower to score first and add to his two league goals so far this season. Bilbao`s fan`s will also be looking towards Muniain to provide an attacking threat from midfield and he can be backed at 6/1 with betfred to score at any time. Set-pieces may provide Athletic with their best opportunities for scoring and 6ft 2 inch tall defender Aymeric Laporte is 22/1 with bet365 to find the back of the net at any point during the game.

With Real Madrid such clear favourites it`s worth noting that there have been over 2.5 goals in the last ten meetings between these two teams and SkyBet offer 4/11 for that to happen again. In addition to this and considering Real Madrid`s goal scoring form recently, the 20/21 offered by Betvictor for there to be over 2.5 goals is tempting. Also, given previous meetings, the 5/6 for both teams to score with BetVictor is worth a punt as is the 8/1 by paddypower for Real Madrid to win by at least three goals.

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05/10/2014     © Frixo 2026