Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

11 points separate these two teams in the LaLiga table.

The highly anticipated LaLiga clash between Athletic Club and Atlético Madrid will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 1:30 AM at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

This upcoming LaLiga match is shaping up to be an important battle with real implications for the top spot of the table. Eighth-place Athletic Club, known for their formidable home form, are looking to bounce back from a recent 3-0 home defeat to Real Madrid. Despite the loss, Athletic remain a difficult opponent at San Mamés and will leverage their passionate crowd to challenge the visitors.

🫂 Thank you for everything, Athleticzales!We'll need you again on Saturday when we face @atletienglish #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/VwVUGiT0Vw

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) December 3, 2025

Atlético Madrid, currently fourth in the standings, enter the fixture needing a response after a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in their last outing. Diego Simeone’s side will be eager to secure three points to solidify their position in the UEFA Champions League places and keep pace with the league leaders. Historically, Atlético have had the better of this fixture, including winning the last three encounters against Athletic Club.

A lot to come. We stay together ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/SiNlFQAqwH

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 3, 2025

The match is likely to be tight and physical. Atlético Madrid hold an edge in recent head-to-head statistics, but Athletic’s determination at home could make the contest far more balanced than expected.

Key players like Nico Williams for Athletic and Antoine Griezmann for Atlético will be crucial to their team’s chances. With both teams aiming to recover from recent setbacks, the clash should offer a high level of intensity with plenty at stake in the race for European qualification.

KickOff:

• Location: Bilbao, Spain
• Stadium: San Mames
• Date: Sunday, December 7.
• Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Athletic Club (in all competitions): L-W-D-L-W

Atlético Madrid ( in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Nico Williams (Athletic Club):

Nico Williams will be the key threat Atlético Madrid must contain. His pace, direct dribbling, and ability to isolate defenders create constant danger on the flanks. He breaks lines with ease and delivers sharp final balls.

If Atlético leave him space, he can decide the match with one moment of quality. He has already scored three goals so far in the League this season

Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid):

Julián Álvarez will be the main player to watch for Atlético Madrid in this clash. He has already scored seven goals in 15 LaLiga appearances this season, making him the club’s top scorer. His sharp movement, quick combinations around the box, and ability to finish under pressure give Atlético a constant threat.

If Athletic Club leave any space, Álvarez has the quality to punish them and tilt the match in Atlético’s favour.

Match Facts:

• The two clubs share a unique origin, as Athletic Club de Madrid was established in 1903 by Basque fans in the capital who wanted to maintain a connection to Athletic Club de Bilbao.
• Atlético Madrid have won the previous three consecutive matches against Athletic Club.
• Julián Álvarez is currently Atlético Madrid’s leading scorer this season with seven league goals, while Robert Navarro and Nico Williams are tied as Athletic Club’s top scorers, each with three goals.

Athletic Club vs Atlético Madrid Betting Tips and Odds:

• Atlético Madrid to win: 11/10 as per 1xBet.
• Total goals under 2.5: 4/5 as per Winmatch.
• Both teams to score – No: 4/5 as per 1Win.

Note: Odds can change any moment.

Injuries and Team News:

Athletic Club will miss several key players for this match. Oihan Sancet is suspended, while Robert Navarro remains out with a thigh injury. Unai Eguiluz and Benat Prados face long-term cruciate ligament injuries. Iñaki Williams is doubtful with a muscle issue, and Maroan Sannadi is sidelined until late January with a meniscus injury.

Atlético de Madrid also face fitness concerns. Álex Baena is doubtful with a muscle issue, while Johnny Cardoso is sidelined by a knee injury. Marcos Llorente and Robin Le Normand are both expected to return in mid-December but remain unavailable for this match, leaving Atlético short of key midfield and defensive options.

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total matches: 248
• Athletic Club won: 79
• Atlético de Madrid won: 124
• Draws: 45

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Athletic Club Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

U. Simón; I. Lekue, D. Vivian, A. Laporte, A. Boiro; Í. Ruiz de Galarreta, A. Rego; Álex Berenguer, M. Jauregizar, N. Williams; G. Guruzeta

Atlético de Madrid Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):

J. Oblak; N. Molina, J. Giménez, C. Lenglet, D. Hancko; Koke, P. Barrios; G. Simeone, Griezmann, N. Gonzalez; J. Álvarez

Match Prediction:

Predicting the exact outcome is challenging as football is unpredictable, but analysis suggests a tight contest. Given Atlético Madrid’s superior form, defensive strength, and recent head-to-head dominance, they are slight favourites. However, Athletic Club’s formidable home atmosphere at San Mamés means an Atlético win by a comfortable but narrow margin.

Prediction: Athletic Club 0-2 Atlético Madrid

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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