Real Madrid make the trip to the Basque country to square off against Athletic Bilbao on Matchday 34 of La Liga Santander with three crucial points up for grabs in the title race. Los Blancos now have a four-point cushion on top of the points table over second-placed, Barcelona.
However, this remains a must-win game for Zidane & Co. in their bid to lift their 34th Primera Division title and their first since the 2016/17 season. The Basque side have had a very topsy-turvy league season so far and are placed in the eighth position with 48 points to their credit.
With only a handful of games to be played until the completion of the season, the trip to San Mames is one of the toughest challenges Zidane’s side will face until the end of the campaign. Los Blancos have enjoyed a spotless start since the unprecedented break and have won six games on the bounce.
Real Madrid gaffer, Zizou, will have the entire squad at his disposal except for Nacho Fernandez, who is still nursing a hamstring problem. Varane and Hazard have been left out of the travelling squad itself. Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior will have to be careful if they step onto the field of play as they both are running the risk of suspension with four yellow cards each to their credit.
Here’s how Los Blancos are expected to line-up against Los Leones.
Defence
Courtois has become an integral member of this Real Madrid side and will retain his place in the starting eleven. The Belgian has held three clean-sheets on the trot, and a stellar performance would be expected from him at the new San Mames stadium as well. Carvajal would be deployed at the right-back position as always. Eder Militao is expected to start this fixture in the absence of Raphael Varane. The Brazilian had a solid evening last time around.
Sergio Ramos would be taking charge of things in the heart of Madrid’s defence and will have Marcelo by his side in the left-back position. The two experienced campaigners will act as the calm and composed heads in this high-profile fixture.
Midfield
Federico Valverde is expected to return to the line-up in place of Luka Modric who seemed a bit off-colour the last time around. Casemiro and Toni Kroos will start in midfield alongside Valverde. The two have been instrumental for Real Madrid and will need to be right on top of their game if Zidane’s side are to return to Madrid with all three points in the bag.
Attack
Marco Asensio will be starting in on the right flank ahead of Isco who is yet to find his rhythm after returning from injury. Karim Benzema had an uncharacteristically quiet evening against Getafe and will be seeking to return to his absolute best against Bilbao. Rodrygo is expected to start on the left-wing ahead of Vinicius Junior. Rodrygo was lively and impressive after being brought on off the bench.
Line-Up
Courtois
Carvajal – Militao- Ramos – Marcelo
Valverde – Casemiro – Kroos
Asensio – Benzema – Rodrygo
