Can Real Madrid Overcome Their Away Struggles Against Injury-Plagued Athletic Bilbao?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid must improve their away performance.
- Athletic Bilbao is struggling with multiple injuries.
- The match is rescheduled due to the Supercup.
- Both teams are in a tight title race in La Liga.
- Key players returning for Real Madrid could influence the match outcome.
Madrid, Dec 3 (NationPress) Real Madrid must address their concerning away form in La Liga as they face an injury-riddled Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday. This match has been rescheduled due to both teams competing in the Spanish Supercup in Saudi Arabia in January 2026, and it will occur just a day after Barcelona takes on Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou.
Last Sunday, Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Girona marked their third straight away league draw, casting doubts on Xabi Alonso's future. However, the coach will be relieved to see Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Aurelien Tchouameni return to the squad.
Athletic Bilbao has shown improvement after a rough start to the season, recently drawing 0-0 in Prague before securing a 2-0 victory against Levante on Saturday, as reported by Xinhua.
Despite this progress, coach Ernesto Valverde faces a long injury list, with star player Robert Navarro suffering an ankle twist on Saturday and left-back Yuri Berchiche missing Monday's training due to a physical issue.
They join Inaki Williams, Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, and Unai Egiluz on the sidelines. Additionally, Yeray Alvarez and Oihan Sancet are suspended, while Nico Williams is dealing with ongoing pubalgia, complicating his availability for two matches in one week.
Earlier, Real Madrid's lackluster performance allowed Barcelona to overtake them in the title race after three consecutive away draws. Alonso's side has been particularly sluggish in ball movement, making it easier for Girona to mount a solid defense and limit scoring opportunities.
The draw leaves Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atletico Madrid separated by just three points, a situation that seemed improbable when Real Madrid visited Atletico at the end of September with a chance to extend their lead to 12 points, effectively pushing Atletico out of the title race. This has created a much more competitive season ahead.