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Team News and Analysis

Los Blancos keep chasing the Blaugrana. However, their slow start in La Liga means that they must do much more than just win their own games. In fact, part of their destiny lies in the hands of the Catalans whom they will meet next year in the second leg of El Clasico. For now, the focus is on beating Athletic Bilbao.

Jose Mourinho’s men will be hoping to cruise smoothly to victory this weekend. However, they will have to be mindful of the visitors’ level of confidence. It must be noted that Athletic Bilbao stunned Sevilla 2-1 on Matchday 11 of La Liga. Meanwhile, Los Blancos will be without key players in every position on the field. Gonzalo Higuain, Mesut Ozil and Marcelo will be missing in attack, midfield and defence respectively.

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an elbow challenge by Levante’s David Navarro last weekend. The clash left him with a loss of vision in both eyes. The number 7 was eventually taken off at half-time and missed his country’s friendly match against Gabon on Wednesday. Ronaldo’s left eyelid is still swallowed and chances are that he will not start or even play at all against Athletic Bilbao.

Alvaro Morata rescued Real Madrid with a late match winner a week ago. However, Karim Benzema has recovered from injury and is likely to make Mourinho’s starting XI. The Frenchman will be looking to punish Athletic Bilbao for losing Ander Herrera and Oscar De Marcos to suspension.

Real Madrid are naturally very good against Bilbao – especially at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The last time the Spanish giants slipped against their upcoming opponents was back in January 2010 at San Mames.

Since then, Madrid have registered five consecutive victories over Athletic Club – all in the Spanish Primera Division. In the process, they netted 20 goals and recorded two clean sheets while Bilbao picked up a total of three red cards.

Head-to-head – Last five meetings

May 8, 2010: Real Madrid 5-1 Athletic Bilbao
November 20, 2010: Real Madrid 5-1 Athletic Bilbao
April 9, 2011: Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Real Madrid
January 22, 2012: Real Madrid 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
May 2, 2012: Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Real Madrid

Prediction

Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
 

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