Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid Betting Tips [3 February 2022]

The San Mamés stadium will play host to two familiar foes as Real Madrid and Athletic Club are set to do battle for a fourth time this season in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. Both sides come into this match in good form with the visiting Madrid going 4-1-0 over their last five matches while the hosts have gone 3-1-1 over their last five. Madrid’s last game was a 2-2 home draw to Elche while Athletic Club managed a 1-0 away victory against Rayo Vallecano - no small feat given Rayo’s previously unbeaten home league record. In terms of league standings, Real Madrid have opened up a four point lead at the top with 50 points while Athletic trail some way off in ninth place on 31 points. 

Athletic Club are formidable at the San Mames stadium, putting on an impressive attacking display and creating five clear cut chances to eliminate Barcelona 3-2 in the last round of the cup. Their challenge will be greater in this match though as Los Blancos have yet to lose to the Basques this season, recording three victories in as many matches. The last time these two faced off it was the Lions suffering a 2-0 defeat in the Supercup final in Saudi Arabia. Still though, manager Marcelino has his Athletic side performing very well against the big teams this season and they have deserved more against this Madrid side in particular. This match should provide an interesting contrast as Athletic Club have the leagues tightest defense, allowing 17 goals in 22 league matches, while Madrid boast the most potent attack, scoring 47 league goals so far.