The stage is set for an interesting Spanish La Liga top 6 match-up this Sunday, as Athletic Bilbao are the final visitors to Atletico Madrid’s historic stadium Vicente Calderon. This being their last match in the stadium, Los Rojiblancos will be hoping to go out on a positive note, but that is a lot easier said than done, especially when you are facing a well drilled team in Athletic Bilbao, who have all the qualities necessary to get all the three points from this match. Therefore, this match will be decided on the fact that who wants the three points more, and keeps their concentration for longer periods of the game.
ATHLETICO MADRID vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO
3-Way: 1: ATHLETICO MADRID +116; X: +264 Draw 2: ATHLETIC BILBAO +290
Spread -0.5: ATHELTICO MADRID +116; ATHELTIC BILBAO -118
Total +2.5: Over -111; Under +110
ATHLETICO MADRID
With the final game of the Spanish La Liga season also being their last game on their beloved stadium Vicente Calderon, Atletico Madrid will want to give their best in making the last match at the historic stadium a good one. After being knocked out of the Semi Finals of the Champions league by Arch Rivals Real Madrid, this match is a dead rubber for Atletico, but they will like to bow out of their home with their heads held high, and this is perhaps the prime reason that the Atletico fans are hoping for a positive result come Sunday.
Atletico, as always has been consistent enough to grab a top 3 spot in the Spanish La Liga, but this season, has wobbled a bit, which is why there is a bigger gap between them and the Big 2; Real Madrid and Barcelona than in the last few seasons. After accumulating 75 points, Los Rojiblancos are sure to finish at 3rd position no matter what other results are. 41 of those points have been at home games. Their current league record over their last 5 games is 3-1-1. Their last match ended in a draw; 1:1 against Real Betis, which was preceded by a 1:0 win against Eibar at home.
This season also, Atletico Madrid has gone by their strengths, which is their defensive astuteness, as they have conceded the least goals in the league, with only 26 conceded. Half of them have been conceded at home. And as we have already begun to associate with Los Rojiblancos, they have the most clean sheets in the league, with a massive 20 to their name. Not only the defense, but they have a very good attack too, with French Forward Antoine Griezmann leading to line to good effect. They have scored 67 goals in the league, with 37 of those coming at home.
French Star Greizmann is the lead scorer for the club in the Spanish La Liga. The Striker has scored 16 goals, and also contributed with 7 assists in the league. He is tied with assists with Koke in the team, who also has 4 goals to his name. New signing Kevin Gameiro has been influential as he has created a good partnership with compatriot Anotione Griezmann. The Former Sevilla striker has 12 goals to his name, along with 5 assists. Slovenian Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is the top goalkeeper in the league when it comes to clean sheets, as he has 15 to his name, which is highest in the league.
Los Rojiblancos do not have any injury concerns, as previously injured players Matias Fernandez, Bernabe, Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran, are all back in training. However, there is mini crisis in the team due to suspension, as Uruguayan Center backs Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez are both out for the final league match, along with full back Filipe Luis, due to suspension.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
As was probably expected by the fans, the Basque club has again managed to finish in a respectable position at the top of the Spanish La Liga table. However, they can still be ousted from the top 6, if they fail to win the match this weekend and Real Sociedad, who are placed just below, grab a point. So, Bilbao would be hoping to get all three points, and hence, secure their place in Europa League qualifying rounds. However, a fixture against an Atletico Madrid side who will be emotionally charged up to bid adieu to their beloved stadium is a very tricky prospect, and in no means an easy one.
Los Leones have again proved to be a good outfit this season, as they grabbed points by playing a simple, effective and well drilled game. Sitting at 6th position in the Spanish La Liga, they have earned 63 points, the same as 7th placed Real Sociedad, who are lower in the table just because of an inferior goal difference. Bilbao’s current league record over their last 5 games is 3-1-1. However, they have dropped points in both of their last two games. First, they lost 1:0 away at Alaves, which was followed by 1:1 draw at home against Leganes.
Bilbao aren’t known for scoring a lot of goals, but they still manage to score when it is needed at most times. They have scored 52 times in the league, with only 16 of those league goals coming at away matches. Along with the attack, they have a defense that knows how to keep their shape and play out from the back. Los Leones have conceded 40 goals, with 22 of those coming at away matches. They have also managed to keep 10 clean sheets in that duration.
Their Veteran Forward is leading the scoring charts for the team again. The Spaniard has 16 league goals to his name, along with 1 assist. Following him is midfielder Raul Garcia who has scored 10 goals and also provided 4 assists. When it comes to assists in the Bilbao team, young speedster Inaki Williams is the leader with 6 to his name, as well 4 goals. Bilbao has garnered a good reputation throughout Europe for creating amazing young talented players.
There are quite a few concerns from the medical department for the team. Mikel Balenziaga and Boveda Eneko, are both concerns with ankle injuries, as are Raul Garcia and Inaki Williams. However, on the positive side, Aitor Seguin, Alex Remiro and Enric Saborit are all back in training, and could play a part in the match.
ATHLETICO MADRID vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO – Match Prediction:
This match is going to be an interesting contest. Both teams are well drilled, have a structured play, and have attackers and midfielders who are able to score and create chances. However, Atletico Madird coach Diego Simeone will most probably rally up his player to put on a good performance for the fans in their last match before they move to a new stadium , and it is well known that a fired up Atletico side are a fearful prospect.
However, Bilbao will also be looking for a win, and hence, will be equally motivated to grab all three points to secure their place in the Europa League at least. But I feel that the slightly better quality in the Atletico Madrid players will mean that Madrid will grab all the three points in a match that promises to be a tight affair. Therefore my prediction will be Atletico Madrid winning the match and both sides scoring.
MY PICK : ATLETICO MADRID (+116)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-130)
