Real Madrid touched down at a venue famed for its cathedral-like atmosphere, arriving soon after a tough setback that left the camp thoughtful and introspective. The season kicks off in Spain’s top division as they prepare to visit Athletic Club Bilbao at their fortress in the Basque Country. The trip carries added weight with Thibaut Courtois sidelined by a serious knee injury, a circumstance that reshapes the goalkeeper landscape and places fresh responsibility on the squad to begin with momentum away from home.
The Bilbao clash will command all eyes as Real Madrid seeks a decisive early statement. The task ahead is substantial: operate within a stadium renowned for its electric intensity and confront a Bilbao side that has established itself as a benchmark in Spanish football. In the absence of Courtois, the goalkeeping duties will be shared among experienced veterans and up-and-coming talents. The choice is careful, and whichever keeper earns the start will be relied upon to maintain a solid defensive foundation while backing an attacking system designed for adaptability and ambition.
The tactical plan under consideration mirrors a familiar setup seen in recent friendlies. Real Madrid could line up in a 1-4-1-2-1-2 shape, anchored by a sturdy back four and a reorganized goalkeeping unit. On the left, a fresh presence could bolster the defensive line, while the central defense might consist of trusted veterans paired with versatile cover. In midfield, the pivot would provide organizing control and steady ball progression, flanked by two creators who link the build-up to the frontline. An attacking midfielder would anchor the playmaking duties behind a dual strike force, with a swift forward pairing ready to probe Bilbao’s defense. The arrangement aims to blend defensive resilience with rapid, fluid transitions in attack as Real Madrid seeks a positive result in a tough environment.
Athletic Bilbao, under Ernesto Valverde, arrives determined to start strong and push toward European contention. The Basque club will lean on its traditional strengths, collective spirit, and tight pressing to impose their tempo on the visitors. Injury concerns hover, with players such as Yeray Álvarez and Dani García unavailable. Yuri Berchiche also faces a fitness test after a robust challenge in the previous meeting with Real Madrid. These fitness doubts will shape Valverde’s selection and tactical approach, especially in how Bilbao compresses space and presses the ball in the final third.
Real Madrid will aim to translate rigorous training-ground ideas into a convincing performance on match day. The fixture serves as a reminder that early opportunities can shape momentum, particularly when a key player is missing. Supporters and analysts will watch closely to see who steps forward to shoulder greater responsibility and how the new lineup handles the pressure of an away match in a stadium famous for its intensity. As the game unfolds, the two coaches will adapt to what the match reveals, evaluating strengths and refining plans to pursue a favorable result that can set a tone for the weeks ahead.
Updates and live commentary for this match will be available on the Goal channel on Telegram. Subscribers can join for free to follow the action as it happens. The Bilbao report and the Madrid report will both provide ongoing commentary and post-match analysis as the season progresses, with Goal providing the latest insights and context.
LINEUPS OF ATHLETIC BILBAO VS. REAL MADRID
Athletic Bilbao (1-4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; De Marcos, Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Mikel Vesga; Nico Williams, Sancet, Muniain; Iñaki Williams
Real Madrid (1-4-1-2-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Fran García; Tchouaméni; Modric, Camavinga/Fede Valverde; Bellingham; Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo
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For the moment, official lineups and start times are anticipated to be confirmed closer to kick-off.
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Source: Goal