Overview
Athletic Bilbao started La Liga 2026-2027 with two consecutive defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona. However, Edin Terzic's team quickly regained the joy of victory when they defeated Celta Vigo 2-0 in the most recent round thanks to goals from Alex Berenguer and Robert Navarro.
Athletic Bilbao experienced a disappointing 2025-2026 season when they only ranked 12th in the rankings. This achievement prevented them from participating in European competitions this season.
The policy of only using players of Basque origin caused Athletic Bilbao not to add any new players in the recent transfer window. Conversely, they parted ways with some names such as Unai Gomez, Unai Vencedor, Mikel Vesga and Andoni Gorosabel.
Athletic Bilbao once defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the second leg last season. However, the Basque team has lost 4 of their last 5 encounters with Atletico. In the most recent confrontation in Madrid in April, Atletico won 3-2.
Atletico Madrid is again having an impressive start in La Liga 2026-2027. Diego Simeone's team defeated Malaga 2-0 in the opening match, then drew with Villarreal 2-2 at home and continued to overcome Sevilla 3-1 in the most recent round.
With 7 points after 3 matches, Atletico is ranked third in the standings. They will continue to play in La Liga this weekend before going to England next week to start their journey in the Champions League with a confrontation with Liverpool.
Atletico has strongly strengthened its force in the summer with 5 new recruits including Morten Hjulmand, Lee Kang-in, Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David. These contracts help Simeone have more options for the new season.
Notably, Atletico also successfully retains Julian Alvarez in the face of interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. The Argentine striker is expected to be in Atletico's squad in the match against Athletic Bilbao.
Personnel situation
Athletic Bilbao will be without the services of Unai Egiluz and Peio Canales due to injury. Meanwhile, Benat Prados and Dani Vivian are both having physical problems and are unlikely to be able to play.
Nico Williams is likely to continue to start the match from the bench in the process of regaining his best fitness. Navarro and Berenguer are expected to still take on the two wing corridors.
Inaki Williams impressed when he was positioned as a central striker in the victory against Celta Vigo. The 32-year-old is likely to continue to take on this position, while Oihan Sancet plays right behind in the number 10 role.
On Atletico Madrid's side, Julian Alvarez has returned to training and is likely to be on the bench in the away match at San Mames.
Alexander Sorloth is still uncertain to play due to injury. This may open up an opportunity for Alex Baena to start in the central midfield area after his outstanding performance with a double in the victory over Sevilla.
Expected lineup:
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Areso, Paredes, Laporte, Berchiche, Ruiz de Galarreta, Gerenabarrena, Navarro, Sancet, Berenguer, I. Williams.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Hancko, Pubill, Grimaldo, Barrios, Hjulmand, Simeone, Kang-in, Lookman, Baena.
The match between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid takes place at 9:15 PM on September 5th (Vietnam time).
