Real Madrid - Athletic Bilbao: Season Finale at Santiago Bernabéu

The 2025/26 La Liga season concludes this weekend with a high-stakes match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid enters the final 38th round from second place with 83 points, having recorded 26 wins over the campaign. For Álvaro Arbeloa's team, the title might be out of reach, but finishing strong in front of their home fans remains a high priority. On the other hand, Athletic Bilbao, in 12th place with 45 points, will look to break their negative streak and end the season in the top half of the table.

Historical Context and Recent Form

Recent encounters have favored Real Madrid. In the first match this season, Real Madrid thrashed the Basques 3-0 at their San Mamés with two goals from Kylian Mbappé. In fact, Real Madrid has won four of the last five encounters. The home team's form is stable, with three wins in their last five matches, while Athletic Bilbao has faced significant difficulties, recording three losses in their last five matches, including defeats against Valencia and Espanyol.

Tactical Lineups and Key Players

Álvaro Arbeloa is likely to stick to his trusted 4-4-2 formation. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal, with Antonio Rüdiger and the young prospect Deyn Hausen forming the central defense. In midfield, Jude Bellingham will have the freedom to support the attack, where Kylian Mbappé is the key figure. Ernesto Valverde and his Athletic Bilbao traditionally rely on a compact defense and quick transitions. The Basques are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, attempting to close spaces for Real Madrid's speedy attackers.

The most intriguing matchup will undoubtedly be between Kylian Mbappé and the visiting defender Aymen Lappart. Mbappé is in exceptional form with 24 goals this season and will be a constant threat to Unai Simón's goal. Another crucial duel will be in the midfield, where Jude Bellingham will face Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta in a battle for ball control.

Both teams enter the match with squad issues. Real Madrid will be without injured players such as Éder Militão, Rodrigo, and Arda Güler. The significant absence is Vinícius Jr., who will not be risked due to Brazil's national team preparations for the World Cup. For Athletic Bilbao, key figures such as Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Yuri Berchiche are out, severely limiting Valverde's options in the forward positions.

Valverde, the visiting coach, stated before the match: “We know how hard it is to play at the Bernabéu, but this is the last match of the season, and we want to finish on a high note.” For Real Madrid, the match might be an emotional send-off for veterans like Daniel Carvajal, adding an extra charge to the duel.