Preview: Athletic Club vs Barcelona
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid is one of the two most highly-anticipated games for the upcoming La Liga round, the other standout fixture being Barcelona's trip to Villarreal. Los Blancos have been nothing but rampant since resuming their campaign and when accompanied by the Blaugrana's unimpressive form since returning to action, Zidane's men have stolen a four-point lead at the top.
The 2-2 draw between the Catalan giants and Atletico Madrid presented Los Merengues with the golden opportunity to add to their lead, which they grabbed thanks to a 79-minute winner from Sergio Ramos. However, their trip to San Memes on Sunday is a whole different prospect.
The Basque club have lost only once in their last eight league games, wit that sole defeat coming at the hands of Messi and Co. As a result, Athletic Club have climbed up to eighth and are now only two points behind seventh spot, which would earn them a ticket to the Europa League preliminary rounds, and are four points adrift of sixth place, which would earn them automatic qualification to UEFA's club competition.
Real Madrid were unable to beak Inaki Williams and Co. when they met earlier this season, drawing 0-0 at the Bernabeu. Victory for Zidane's side could all but end the title race while defeat could spark life back into Barcelona's season, given that they beat Villarreal. It will be interesting to see how this game pans out.
Team news
Athletic Club: The home side are fortunate enough to have a near-healthy squad, with Benat being the only absentee due to a hip injury. Mikel Vesga could make his way into the starting lineup while Inaki Williams is expected to lead Athletic Club's attack once again.
Real Madrid: Los Blancos look to be without Raphael Varane, with the Frenchman picking up a head injury in the win over Getafe. Nacho remains on the sidelines but Hazard could be back after being rested in the midweek tie.
Key stats
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Athletic Club have only beaten Real Madrid twice in 30 encounters, losing 23 and drawing five.
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The 1-0 win over Getafe was the first time Los Blancos achieved six straight wins in the league this since 2017.
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The Basque club are undefeated in 27 of their last 30 home games in La Liga.
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The hosts have won nine of their 16 home games this season, a record bettered by only Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico.
Where to watch Athletic Club vs Real Madrid live on July 5, 2020
Athletic Club-Real Madrid kick off at 05:00 PT/08:00 ET/12:00 GMT/14:00 CEST
USA: beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS, Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Australia: beIN Sports 1, Kayo Sports, beIN Sports Connect
Canada: beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada
France: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Free, beIN Sports 1
Spain: Partidazo in Movistar LaLiga, Movistar+, Mitele Plus, Movistar Laliga, Movistar Laliga 1
UK: Premier Player HD, LaLigaTV
Live elsewhere? Here's where to watch Athletic Club vs Real Madrid in your current location:
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