Real Madrid versus Athletic Club: what to expect

Real Madrid meet Athletic Club in the La Liga, and the shape of the game is already fairly clear from how both sides have played over the last month.

Recent form

Real Madrid have been the more settled of the two, holding a back line that has changed little and building from a midfield that prefers to keep the ball rather than move it forward quickly. Athletic Club have scored more and conceded more, which usually points to an open first half hour.

Where the game will be decided

The contest between Real Madrid's full-backs and Athletic Club's wide players is the one to watch. Whichever side wins that territory will set the tempo, and the other will spend the afternoon defending the width of the pitch.

Team news

Both managers have close to a full squad. The lineups on this page update as soon as they are announced, usually about an hour before kick-off.