Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Predictions & Tips - Los Blancos backed to reach final

Real Madrid have not been their free scoring selves this season, while Athletic Bilbao tend to keep things reasonably tight at the back. I expect this to end in a Real Madrid win with the match seeing under 2.5 goals.

Real Madrid lead 36-11 against Athletic Bilbao in 57 meetings. There have been 10 draws.

When these two sides last met in December, Real Madrid won 3-1 at home.

Real Madrid come into this Super Cup semi-final in good form. They are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions.

Zinedine Zidane’s side were on a six-match winning run but that was brought to an end when they drew 1-1 at Elche. 

Real Madrid bounced back to win their next match 2-0 at home against Celta Vigo with Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio finding the back of the net.

In their last match, Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw at Osasuna. It was a disappointing result for Los Blancos as they failed to penetrate the Osasuna defence. 

There is a fitness doubt over Dani Carvajal and if he is ruled out, Lucas Vasquez will need to slot in at right-back. That will open up the right wing for Marco Asensio.

Eden Hazard could start in the left sided attacking berth.

Athletic Bilbao have had an inconsistent season thus far but will see this Super Cup clash against Real Madrid as an opportunity to revive their season.

Over the last four matches, Bilbao have drawn 1-1 at Villarreal, lost 1-0 at home to Real Sociedad and beaten Elche 1-0 at home.

Athletic Bilbao went down 3-2 at home in their last match against Barcelona. It was a spirited performance by Bilbao but after taking an early lead through Inaki Williams, they allowed Barcelona to go 3-1 up with 30 minutes to play.

Muniain pulled a goal back in the 90th minute but it was all a little too late for Athletic Bilbao.

Manager Marcelino will be looking for his first win charge after losing his first match at the helm last time out.

Unai Lopez and Peru Nolaskoain are both injured but weren’t expected to feature if they were fit.

Yeray Alvarez has returned to training but may not be risked just yet. Unai Nunez is expected to start at centre-back.