Real Madrid will be looking forward to capitalising on Barcelona’s defeat when they entertain Athletic Bilbao on 18th March. Los Blancos defeated Real Betis 2-1 in the last match to reclaim the top spot in the La Liga whereas, Barcelona were shocked by Deportivo La Coruna as the defending champions tasted defeat against the Spanish side with a 2-1 loss. Real Madrid are on 62 points and are two points clear of second-placed Barcelona who have played a match more than Los Blancos.
The title is now Madrid’s to lose as all the three title contenders Sevilla, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have to visit Santiago Bernabeu in the upcoming days and a win in these matches would virtually seal the title for Zinedine Zidane’s men.
Sergio Ramos once again came to the rescue as his header secured three points for Real Madrid in the last match. The Spanish defender has been the man in form for the Spanish side. Alongside his defensive duties, he has scored a number of times to salvage his team from difficult positions.
Barcelona are sniffing around their shoulders and any slip ups at this moment would hand an advantage to their archrivals. Madrid have managed to score in their last 47 games simultaneously in all competitions which is a record. Athletic have had a very poor away form but their home form is quite impressive.
Madrid’s eight-match winning streak at home was halted when they drew 3-3 with Las Palmas.
Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Lineup Vs Athletic Bilbao
Defence
Keylor Navas was responsible for Betis’s goal in the last match but Zidane will once again rely on his trusted shot-stopper to keep the Bilbao attack at bay.
Pepe will come back to the starting line up to partner Sergio Ramos at the heart of the defence. Ramos has been rock solid in the Madrid defence and has also been on a scoring spree in the last couple of matches.
Marcelo and Dani Carvajal will be on the two flanks.
Midfield
Casemiro is set to return to the midfield. The Brazilian was not in the starting lineup in the last match.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will be the two central midfielders for Los Blancos.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo should start on the left wing. The Portuguese star scored the equaliser in the last match which they eventually went on to win.
Gareth Bale will be coming back from suspension and will start on the right wing. He has been an important part of the Spanish giants.
Zidane will stick with Alvaro Morata. He started the last match and will have another chance to clinch a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
