Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao – Free football prediction and picks – Liga – May 23, 2026

Real Madrid – Athletic Bilbao: the end of an era

Madrid’s season is closing with nothing in the trophy cabinet. Athletic Bilbao turn up with nothing left to play for. With no pressure on the table, both sides should feel free to open up tactically.

The Madrid transition

Alvaro Arbeloa takes charge of the home side for the final time. Jose Mourinho’s dramatic return is due next week. Second place says it all about a season that has fallen short. The league title slipped away to Barcelona, who finished 11 points clear. A tight win over Sevilla has at least brought a little lift. Madrid are still a fortress on their own patch this year. They have banked 46 points in front of a demanding crowd. History is on the capital club’s side too against Athletic Bilbao.

The slide of Athletic Bilbao

Ernesto Valverde is set for his last match in charge of Athletic Bilbao. German coach Edin Terzic will soon take the reins. 12th place is a huge disappointment. A recent draw with Celta Vigo has mathematically ended their hopes. There will be no European football in Bilbao’s next calendar. The Champions League run this season already feels a long way off. Recent away form has dragged the whole group down. Just one point from their last three outings.

Expected lineups

Real Madrid : Courtois ; Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, F Garcia ; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham ; Brahim, Mbappe, Mastantuono

Athletic Bilbao : Simon ; Gorosabel, Alvarez, Laporte, Boiro ; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar ; I Williams, Navarro, Berenguer ; Guruzeta

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Football prediction Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Draw or Athletic Bilbao win

Madrid’s end-of-cycle dip under Arbeloa should leave room behind them. The visitors, keen to give their coach a fitting send-off, ought to bring more bite.

That should suit the Basque side, who can pick off a home team already looking ahead to next season. By the final whistle, the result should favour Athletic Bilbao.

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