Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid 12/22/21 LaLiga Soccer Pick, Predictions, and Odds

Athletic Bilbao is welcoming Real Madrid to San Mames in round 21 of the Spanish LaLiga. Bilbao has somehow scored 3 goals against Betis, but that is saying more about Betis’ defense than Bilbao’s offense. Real Madrid wasn’t able to score against Cadiz this past weekend, and even though they have a lot of covid cases, Real Madrid is still a strong team.

Bilbao was on an 8-game streak without a win, until Betis came this past weekend. Bilbao was leading in that game, then they were losing, just to score 2 goals at the end of the second half, and because of that Bilbao has won this game 3-2. With these 3 points, Bilbao is now in 10^th place with a total of 24 points, 16 scored goals, and only 14 conceded goals. Bilbao is definitely the best defensive team in the league right now, but that doesn’t mean much if you can’t score goals. Williams is still the leading goalscorer for Bilbao with 5 goals. Muniain has added 5 assists. There aren’t many injured players in Bilbao right now, but there are still a few questionable ones. Bilbao won’t have trouble securing their LaLiga spot, but they will have trouble getting to the Europa League spot, and I’m not sure they can.

Real Madrid was dominant against Cadiz, they were creating chances, but they weren’t able to score a goal. That game has ended in a 0-0 draw. even without a win, Real Madrid is still at the top of the table with 43 points, and they are now 5 points ahead of Sevilla. Both offensively and defensively, Real Madrid is the best in the league, but seeing they have a lot of covid cases, they might struggle here as well. Some of the covid listed players still might be in the lineup, but we need to look at this game as they won’t be. Real Madrid is playing great overall, they are creating chances against any team out there, and Bilbao won’t be an exception. As of right now, Real Madrid is the closest to the title in LaLiga, but I think they will slightly shift focus to the Champions League once it starts, and that might be the opportunity for other teams to challenge them for the title.

Real has lost only 1 game on the road so far this season, and just because Bilbao has beaten Betis doesn’t mean their struggles are over. Yes, Real has a lot of missing players, but Bilbao isn’t without injuries as well, and they are still a weak offensive team. We are getting plus money for Real Madrid on the money line, and I will take it.