Real Madrid have won ten of their last 12 La Liga meetings with Athletic Club, but the Basque giants are seeking back-to-back home wins over los Blancos for the first time since 2004.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid preview
Can Real Madrid bring to an end their miserable recent run of results? On Sunday night, los Blancos required a second half Kylian Mbappé spot-kick to earn a point against bottom three dwellers Girona at Montilivi. To start the campaign, Xabi Alonso won ten of his first 11 La Liga matches in charge, but he has since overseen three successive draws, all away from home, dropping points at Rayo Vallecano, Elche and now Girona. After victory in October's Clásico, los Merengues were seven points clear at the top, but have now relinquished first place, thereby one point below Barcelona.
This has led to stories of dressing room unrest against Alonso, with some outlets suggesting he could be sacked before Christmas. Thus, it is a crucial week, with a game against Celta de Vigo to come on Sunday night, before Manchester City visit the Santiago Bernabéu in the Champions League next Wednesday. Before then, will Real Madrid get back to winning ways in Bilbao?
As for Athletic Club, they finished fourth last season, but have struggled to replicate that form this time round. On Saturday, Ernesto Valverde's team did beat Levante 2-0 in Valencia, with Robert Navarro breaking the deadlock, before Nico Williams pulled off an impudent dink. However, after starting the season with three successive victories, Athletic have won only three of 11 La fixtures, demolished 4-0 by Barcelona as Camp Nou was re-opened the weekend before last.
Meantime, having accumulated just four points from five Champions League games, the Lions are on the brink of elimination, with PSG up next in a week's time. Nevertheless, San Mamés remains a tough place to go, beaten only by Getafe, Alavés, Arsenal, Osasuna, Manchester United, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in Bilbao in any competition since a 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in August 2023. So, this will be a serious test for the visitors, but will Real leave San Mamés with all three points?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 248.
- Athletic Bilbao Wins: 79. Draws: 45. Real Madrid Wins: 124.
Athletic Bilbao team news
Ernesto Valverde remains without centre-back Yeray Álvarez and key attacker Iñaki Williams.
Meantime, Oihan Sancet remains suspended, following his red card against Barcelona, while Aymeric Laporte did not feature at the weekend due to a viral infection, so Aitor Paredes could keep his place. Defensive midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta can return following a ban of his own.
Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: (4-2-3-1): Simón; Lekue, Vivan, Paredes, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Berenguer, Navarro, N Williams; Guruzeta.
Athletic Bilbao player to watch vs Real Madrid
If you have not seen Nico Williams' jaw-dropping goal from the weekend do seek it out. It was his third of the season, yet to find the net in eight previous meetings with Real Madrid, but can he change that fact at San Mamés?
Real Madrid team news
Xabi Alonso is without defenders Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen and David Alaba due to injury, so Trent Alexander-Arnold will keep his place at right-back.
On the opposite side, Fran García got the nod on Sunday, but Álvaro Carreras could come in here, with Ferland Mendy a decent alternative.
Further forward, Vinícius Júnior is set for a third successive start, with Arda Güler completing the front three, chosen over Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Athletic Bilbao: (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Militão, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, Vinícius.
Real Madrid player to watch vs Athletic Bilbao
Kylian Mbappé took his tally to 23 goals for the season already on Sunday night, on target every 72 minutes on average. In La Liga, he has scored against 20 of the 22 different opponents he has faced, Elche and Athletic the sole exceptions, so can he change that in Bilbao?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid prediction
Despite their recent sequence of draws, we are backing Real Madrid for victory in Bilbao, likely to be too strong for an Athletic side lacking attacking firepower: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Real Madrid.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid FAQs - La Liga
How to watch Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in the La Liga on TV channel?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in La Liga will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports 2
- USA: ESPN Select
- Canada: TSN+
How to watch Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in La Liga on live streaming?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in La Liga will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player
- USA: ESPN Select
- Canada: TSN+
What is the date and kick-off time for Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid in La Liga?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid takes place on Wednesday 3 December 2025, with kick off at 18:00 (GMT), 13:00 (ET) & 10:00 (PT).