Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Signing off the 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Saturday night, Real Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might be signing off the 2025/26 campaign with a domestic flurry, Los Blancos have found themselves at the heart of a public crisis this season. Remarkably once again ending this year without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, the Spanish giants have broken plenty of unwanted records. With Jose Mourinho’s sensational return to the Bernabeu dugout set to be made official over the coming days, current boss Alvaro Arbeloa is simply looking to sign off his downbeat tenure with a final weekend statement. Last seen putting in a gritty display as they clinched a 1-0 victory away at Sevilla, Real Madrid have won three of their previous four La Liga appearances. Enjoying what has become their most fruitful spell since returning from March’s international break, it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Los Blancos are handed by the Bernabeu support on Saturday night.

Real Madrid Team News

All still dealing with respective season-ending muscle injuries, Real Madrid will once again be without the trio of Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Turkish starlet Arda Guler. Likewise, despite reportedly being ahead of schedule, Brazilian international Rodrygo will not feature again until the 2026/27 campaign as he recovers from a long-term knee injury.

Handed a full return against Sevilla last weekend following what has been a public feud with Arbeloa, French skipper Kylian Mbappe should keep his spot leading the line. Despite enduring a frustrating maiden campaign in Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be handed a full recall on Saturday night.

Athletic Bilbao

As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have opened May with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Alaves, it appears that was just a minor boost for Ernesto Valverde’s struggling squad. Limping their way over the finishing line, the Lions have already accepted that they will be forced to settle for a bottom-half finish among Spain’s elite. Last seen on their travels falling to a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Espanyol, the one-time Barcelona boss has seen his squad register just one-point from any of their previous three La Liga appearances. Likewise, failing to register consecutive wins since back in February, the Basque-based outfit also slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming when they welcomed Los Blancos to San Mames for their reverse La Liga showdown back on December 3rd. Losing four of their previous five battles against the Spanish giants, Valverde’s side are pencilled in as a major underdog contender when they travel to the capital.

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Shown what was a costly first-half booking against Celta Vigo last weekend, veteran defender Yuri Berchiche will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the month, Valverde’s side will travel to the Spanish capital on Saturday night without attacking talisman Nico Williams.

Completing a permanent return to San Mames last summer, former Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte will start at the heart of Bilbao’s defence here. Notching just a third La Liga strike of the season against Celta last time out, influential skipper Inaki Williams will lead Bilbao out at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao met for their reverse La Liga showdown back on December 3rd, Los Blancos cruised their way to a 3-0 victory at San Mames.
• In fact, Madrid have won four of their previous five matchups against Saturday’s guests.
• Winning three of their last four La Liga appearances, Madrid are enjoying their most fruitful spell since March’s international break.
• Athletic Bilbao have registered just one-point from any of their previous three consecutive La Liga outings.
• Saturday’s guests have lost five of their previous six domestic showdowns outside of the Basque Country.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might have come under a huge amount of scrutiny this season as they already accepted that they will sign off the 2025/26 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Los Blancos have won three of their previous four La Liga appearances. Simply hoping to offer their fanbase a final weekend boost in the Spanish capital, Madrid should be smelling a real opportunity here. Landing a routine 3-0 victory when they travelled to San Mames for their reverse La Liga battle on December 3rd, we are backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet