Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory at Athletic Bilbao

3. Left-flank

Real Madrid’s left-flank, regardless of who plays there, will be very important vs Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao boasts the third-best defense in La Liga this season with 28 goals conceded.

They’re a tough nut to crack defensively and it’s going to take something special from Real Madrid to break them down.

One of the strategies Madrid depends on a lot during the attack is their reliance on left-flank. With players like Vinicius/Hazard, Marcelo/Mendy, Isco, Benzema, and Kroos combining on that flank, it’s no wonder Madrid uses that flank a lot more. The team creates chances through that flank or drags opposition players to create space on the right flank.

This strategy will most likely be used again vs Bilbao to create space. The players on that side will be key in unlocking that defense.

The left-flank will also be key defensively in the game. With Iñaki Williams playing on that side, he’ll cause a lot of problems for the Madrid defense.

The last time Madrid faced Bilbao, left-back Ferland Mendy did very well and locked down Raul Garcia and Iñigo Lekue on the flank. If he starts this time around too, he’ll be expected to do so again with help from his winger.

The left-flank will have to perform both offensively and defensively tomorrow if Madrid is to win this game.