Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction, Tips & Odds – 07.02.2024
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction 07.02.2024. In the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, Atletico Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday at 9:30 PM at the Metropolitano Stadium.
The winner of this two-legged tie will face the winner of the Mallorca vs Real Sociedad match in the final.
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Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Odds
Atletico Madrid Team News
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid will face another challenge following their recent match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, where they shared points with a 1-1 draw. Despite Real Madrid taking the lead with a goal from Brahim Diaz in the first half, Diego Simeone’s team managed to avoid defeat thanks to Marcos Llorente’s goal in the third minute of stoppage time.
Now, their focus shifts to the Copa del Rey match, where they dream of winning the tournament for the eleventh time in their history, the first time since the 2012/13 season. Atletico has so far progressed through two rounds to reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, defeating Lugo in the round of 16 before eliminating Real Madrid, the reigning champions, in the quarter-finals.
Atletico believes they will capitalize on home advantage in the first leg against Athletic Bilbao, especially after an impressive streak of 28 unbeaten matches at the Metropolitano Stadium. However, they will have to deal with injuries, as key players like Cesar Azpilicueta and Thomas Lemar are sidelined due to injuries, while the participation of Jose Maria Gimenez is questionable due to muscle issues.
Reinildo Mandava could return to the squad after sitting on the bench last weekend, and there may be other lineup changes to freshen up the team. Players like Nahuel Molina, Pablo Barrios, and Samuel Lino could get the opportunity to start against Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
In contrast to the hosts, Athletic had to overcome five teams to secure their place in the semi-finals, including Rubi, Cayon, Eibar, and Alaves. Ernesto Valverde’s team continued their triumphant run by defeating Barcelona in the quarter-finals last month.
The Basque team sits second on the list of record Copa del Rey winners but hasn’t lifted the trophy since 1984. Since their victory over Barcelona in the final 40 years ago, Athletic has been runners-up six times, including consecutive final defeats within a month in 2021, following the postponement of the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After reaching the semi-finals in the last two seasons, Los Leones are now preparing for their fifth consecutive appearance in the last four, entering the first leg with confidence after a convincing 4-0 win over Mallorca in La Liga on Friday. Although facing a tough test on Wednesday, Athletic could draw inspiration from their previous victory over Atletico this season with a 2-0 win at San Mames in December.
Regarding injuries, forward Nico Williams is doubtful after being forced off in the second half of the Mallorca game due to a thigh issue. His older brother, Inaki Williams, also took a knock, but the Ghanaian international is expected to be fit for the first leg. Inigo Lekue and Alex Berenguer participated in training after injury concerns, but Wednesday’s match may come too soon for them. Goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala is set to replace Unai Simon, having featured in all five of Athletic’s cup matches this season.
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao H2H
13.01.2022. Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao 1:2
30.04.2022. Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid 2:0
15.10.2022. Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid 0:1
19.02.2023. Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao 1:0
16.12.2023. Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid 2:0
Injuries and suspensions
Atletico Madrid: Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar, Jose Mario Gimenez
Athletic Bilbao: Nico Williams, Inigo Lekue, Alex Berenguer
Expected Lineups
Atletico Madrid (3-5-2): Oblak; Hermoso, Witsel, Reinildo; Molina, De Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino; Griezmann, Morata
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galaretta, Prados Diaz; I. Williams, Sancet, Ares; Guruzeta
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
In this match, Atletico Madrid is considered a slight favorite due to home advantage, league standings, and slightly better form. However, we cannot be entirely certain of a home win given the serious opponent they have faced challenges against in previous encounters. Additionally, we anticipate the game to be closely contested, so our recommendation for betting would be an Atletico Madrid win or a draw, with a maximum of three goals scored throughout the match.
Kick-off Time: Wednesday, 07.02.2024, 9:30 AM Local Time (GMT +1), 21:30 CET
Prediction: Atletico Madrid/draw & under 3.5
Odds (when tipped): 1.73
Sportsbook: 20bet
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