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MATCH PREVIEW

Real Madrid face a crucial trip to San Mames this Sunday in LaLiga. They need to win the game to ensure the title race goes to the final weekend. Anything less and Atletico Madrid will be crowned champions on Sunday evening if they win their game against Osasuna.

While they have nothing to play for, Athletic Club, their players and fans, would quite enjoy it if they were to be the side to end Madrid’s title challenge. The Basque giants have already beaten Los Blancos this season on their way to winning the Supercopa in January and it’s never easy for visiting teams at San Mames, no matter what the circumstances.

Their league form hasn’t been good enough to push them into European contention but they’ve still been tough to beat. Athletic had gone 9 without losing in LaLiga before their trip to Huesca in midweek, although admittedly many of those games had been draws. Marcelino opted to rest key players in that match and they ended up losing 1-0 to the relegation strugglers but they should be in a position to field a fresher team here as a result.

Real Madrid are clearly struggling in terms of fatigue now with the games piling up and Zinedine Zidane having little option in some areas but to play the same men due to injuries. In midweek, some of his younger players stepped up and made contributions with Miguel Gutiérrez impressing at left-back while Rodrygo was on target in a 4-1 win at Granada.

Their preparations for this game have been further disrupted with Toni Kroos needing to self-isolate due to COVID-19 protocols. He was one of the players rested in midweek in anticipation of this fixture so it was the last thing Zinedine Zidane needed. One last big effort is needed given their final day fixture at home to Villarreal is very winnable given the visitors are likely to field a second-string side with a Europa League Final three days later.

PREDICTION

It’s so tough to call this game and the loss of Kroos really does move it more into the balance. Athletic have shown they are capable of raising their game against the top clubs having beaten Sevilla and Atletico Madrid in recent weeks, and they may just have another major influence on the title race here by holding Los Blancos to a point.

Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. All above views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of ASAA88.