Liga Preview: Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid
It is amazing how one display can see so much doubt cast on one team in Spain, but Real Madrid's performance in the Copa Del Rey in midweek has given the critics reason to believe that Vicente Del Bosque's are not equipped to win anything this season.
It is amazing how one display can see so much doubt cast on one team in Spain, but Real Madrid's performance in the Copa Del Rey in midweek has given the critics reason to believe that Vicente Del Bosque's are not equipped to win anything this season.
The 1-1 draw against Mallorca in the first leg of the cup quarter finals was a stark reminder that Madrid's second string team are not going to win the club any trophies.
Even Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo could not peform on the night and the media were fully aware of their role in what proved to be a dismal display by the European champions in the Bernabeu.
But Del Bosque knows the importance of a victory in San Mames and is ready to return to normality with all the shadow players being cast aside.
Athletic Bilbao do not need reminding how badly there season is going as they lie just three points above the drop zone and will not be relishing the visit of a Madrid side eager to prove that they can maintain their challenge for the title.
Jupp Heynckes side have already lost four times at home this season and face a tough run-in to the end of the campaign.
FORM GUIDE
Athletic Bilbao: Last Six Matches: LLWWLL
Two wins either side of the winter break saw Athletic renew their belief that they can pull clear of the bottom three, but defeats to Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruna in their last two outings have put them back to square one. The Basque Country outfit are now perilously close to the relegation places and if their form does not improve then they could end up in the second division next term.
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches: WDWWDD
Despite the slip-up against Mallorca on Thursday, the fact remains that Real Madrid's star-studded squad are still battling away in three competitions this season and have only lost once in the league. The draw against Atletico Madrid did not help their cause as their fans were expecting a convincing victory, but the players will know that in a derby the form book does not count.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Athletic Bilbao: The Basque's will be boosted by the return of their in-form striker Ismael Urzaiz, who missed last week's game at Deportivo through suspension. Josu Urrutia and Felipe Gurendez have been dropped by Heynckes, while Pablo Orbaiz, Inigo Larrainzar and Carlos Merino are all still injured.
Real Madrid: Ivan Helguera is suspended and will be replaced in the centre of defence by the reliable Francisco Pavon. Del Bosque will bring his first choice line-up back with Zinedine Zidane and co all stepping back after missing the Copa Del Rey outing in midweek.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Athletic: (4-4-2) Aranzubia, Javi González, Lacruz, Karanka, Del Horno, Gurpegi, Vales, Alkiza, Yeste, Joseba Etxeberria, Urzaiz
Real Madrid: (4-2-4) Casillas, Salgado, Hierro, Pavon, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio, Figo, Raul, Zidane, Ronaldo
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ismael Urzaiz (Athletic Bilbao): The San Mames faithful must be delighted that the club resolved it's differences with Urzaiz last summer after the striker threatened to leave unles his pay demands were met. Far from being a prima donna, the powerful forward has proven his worth to the side with ten goals this season to make him Bilbao's top scorer.
Claude Makelele (Real Madrid): In a team full of world famous stars, the French defensive midfielder is a highly-underrated component. His tackling and vision prevents numerous attacks from ever reaching the Madrid back four and his ability to start the team's forward movements make him a player that Bilbao will have to keep a keen eye on.