Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Athletic Bilbao

LW Eden Hazard

We’ll see how Real Madrid line up on Sunday, because Zinedine Zidane seems to prefer the diamond against opponents that like to play tight, such as Getafe. But that approach has rarely ever worked this season. Look at how ineffective Isco was against Getafe, for example.

No matter how Real line up, though, Eden Hazard needs to take a leadership role on the pitch when it comes to leading the attack on the pitch in the final third. He needs to take on defenders and either get into the box himself or create a free kick opportunity for Sergio Ramos or Toni Kroos to go direct or find a star target’s head.

Hazard is still Real’s difference-maker, even if he’s cooled off from leading Los Blancos to three goals scored against both Eibar and Valencia.

LB Marcelo

It’s unclear if Marcelo or Ferland Mendy will start against Athletic Club, because while Mendy is the better left back and the starter in most games, Marcelo is still effective and is often preferred in the biggest games.

If Marcelo starts against Bilbao, the microscope will be on him. He’ll need to be at his best against the dangerous Raul Garcia, who seems to relish playing against Real Madrid and becomes even more effective vs. Los Blancos. That efficacy may increase at San Mames in a game crucial for Bilbao playing in Europe.

Beyond that, Marcelo will need to link up with Benzema and Hazard to spark Real’s attack, which is often considerably better with the creative left back in the lineup.