Real Madrid: Predicting every fixture in May 2021 to finish La Liga

Real Madrid at Athletic Bilbao, May 16

Real Madrid narrowly beat Athletic Club earlier this season in La Liga, but they lost to the Basque side in the Spanish Supercup. We have seen Athletic Club beat Atletico Madrid recently, and they are fully capable of taking points off Los Blancos.

In fact, this could be the game that trips Los Merengues up. A trip to San Mames is never easy. It is one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, even if there are not fans. It’s a good thing Los Blancos fear nobody, but, on the other side of the coin, Athletic Club defend their home fortress with every ounce of blood they have. There isn’t a more intense team in Europe.

Real Madrid are in a title race with no margin for error, but Athletic Club also have a lot to play for. They are in ninth and eight points behind Real Betis for a Europa League spot. But they could qualify for the new Europa Conference League. Bilbao are not as close as Granada, but they are arguably a slightly better side when looking at their talent.

Last season, Real won 1-0 at San Mames en route to the title, needing a penalty and Eder Militao heroics to win. But to be honest with you, it’s hard to prognosticate how the squad will look in mid-May. It seems as if Madrididstas hear bad news every other day.

Expect Real to slip up and draw. I hate to say it, but I have to be honest. This trip to San Mames looks like a trap.

Prediction: Real Madrid 0, Athletic Club 0