Real Madrid will fall seven points adrift of La Liga leaders if Barcelona win their game in hand, meaning the Merengues can scarcely afford to lose any more ground if they're to remain in the title race. They'll look to build on last weekend's narrow win over Granada with a victory at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, though the high-flying Basques certainly have the potential to make this an awkward encounter.
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Real Madrid will hope to avoid an upset at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Athletic head into the game sitting sixth in the table. They’ve picked up seven points from a possible nine in their last three league games, and are once again in the mix for European qualification. They may be rather rudimentary in their build-up play, but coach Ernesto Valverde doubtless knows how to get the best of the players at his disposal. Given that Real Madrid haven’t been at their best over the last few weeks, this game could be closer than you’d imagine.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Of course, if Cristiano Ronaldo turns up in top form, Real Madrid could win this game at a canter. However, by his standards he's been in some patchy form recently, turning in disappointing performances in games away at Real Betis and Granada -- though he did net a hat trick in the Merengues' last home game, a 6-0 demolition of Espanyol. Who knows which Cristiano will turn up on Saturday?
Recent history
Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-1, though were defeated by Athletic on their last visit to Bilbao last March. However, that’s the Basque side’s only win against Madrid since 2010, and they haven’t won away at the Santiago Bernabéu since a 2-0 win back in 2005. On that day, David Beckham and Michael Owen were in the Madrid starting lineup and, coincidentally, Valverde was enjoying his first stint as Bilbao coach.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale (calf); Pepe (foot); Marcelo (shoulder). In doubt: None.
Athletic Bilbao injuries and suspensions
Out: Raúl García (knee); Ibai Gómez (thigh); Mikel San José, Iñaki Williams (suspended). In doubt: Xabier Etxeita (illness); Markel Susaeta (muscle).
Madrid will be without attacker Bale and defenders Pepe and Marcelo, but they otherwise have a full-strength team available. Athletic’s list of absentees is rather longer: they’re without several important first-teamers, including suspended starlet Williams and defender San José, though Etxeita and Susaeta could be available.
Match date/time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); fuboTV (US)
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