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Athletic Bilbao logo
La Liga | Gameweek 19
Dec 4, 2024 at 8pm UK
San Mames Barria
Real Madrid logo

Athletic Bilbao
2 - 1
Real Madrid

Berenguer (53'), Guruzeta (80')
Agirrezabala (67'), Vazquez (72'), Bellingham (90+1'), Guruzeta (90+3')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Athletic Bilbao lineup vs. Real Madrid: Will Julen Agirrezabala or Unai Simon start in goal?

Will Agirrezabala or Simon start? Predicted Athletic Bilbao XI vs. Real Madrid
© Imago
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Athletic Bilbao could line up for Wednesday's La Liga clash with Real Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde will have to decide whether to start Julen Agirrezabala or Unai Simon in goal for Wednesday's clash against Real Madrid at San Mames.

Agirrezabala has featured in 12 of Athletic's 15 La Liga matches this season, enjoying regular game time in the absence of regular number one Unai Simon.

The Spain international has spent a significant time on the sidelines after undergoing wrist surgery following his country's success at Euro 2024.

Simon made his long-awaited return to action in last Thursday's 3-0 win over Swedish side Elfsborg in the Europa League.

However, Simon has had to settle for a place on the bench in Athletic's last two league games, and his lack of match practice could persuade Valverde to stick with Agirrezabala.

Oscar de Marcos and Dani Vivian are set to return to the side to feature in a back four alongside Yeray Alvarez and Yuri Berchiche.

Benat Prados, who is available following a one-match ban, is expected to line up in the middle of the park alongside Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta.

Inaki Williams and Nico Williams will try to provide an attacking threat from the flanks, while Oihan Sancet should shake off an ankle issue to feature in the number 10 role.

Valverde will have to decide whether to use Gorka Guruzeta, Alex Berenguer and Alvaro Djalo as the central striker, with the latter hoping to return to the starting lineup after being on the bench for the last two matches.

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Ander Herrera will be missing from the matchday squad after picking up a hamstring injury.

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Djalo

>Click here to see how Real Madrid could line up for this fixture

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Ben Sully
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Real Madrid
63.4%
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal167542827126
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8Osasuna176742225-325
9Real BetisBetis176652021-124
10GironaGirona176472325-222
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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