Athletic Club
Atlético de Madrid
>Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid Predictions, Picks & Odds – 05/09/2026
La Liga · 4Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid – Best bets of the match
Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid Preview
Athletic Club's season has been a struggle, with four consecutive defeats following an opening-day win leaving them languishing in 13th. Edin Terzic's side finally stopped the rot with a composed 2-0 victory at Celta Vigo, Robert Navarro and Alex Berenguer providing the goals. Seven changes freshened up the squad, and the return of Nico Williams to the starting lineup at San Mamés could prove significant as Athletic look to rediscover consistency on home turf.
Atlético de Madrid sit third and remain unbeaten after three rounds, collecting seven points with a healthy goal difference of plus four. Their most recent outing was a convincing 3-1 triumph at Sevilla, where Álex Baena struck twice and Ademola Lookman added a third. Diego Simeone's squad face a gruelling run of away fixtures, though the bigger concern surrounds Julián Álvarez, whose participation is in doubt following illness and an unresolved transfer saga that has unsettled the camp.
Atlético de Madrid's away win at 2.38 represents the standout selection here. Diego Simeone's side sit third with seven points from three matches, boasting a +4 goal difference and an unbeaten record. Their dismantling of Sevilla, with Álex Baena's brace and Ademola Lookman's strike, underlined genuine attacking quality. Athletic's four straight losses expose fragility that one win at Celta cannot mask.
The under 2.5 goals market at 1.91 also warrants attention. Simeone's sides are renowned for controlling tempo and limiting opponents, while Athletic under Edin Terzic have shown defensive vulnerability rather than free-scoring tendencies. San Mamés historically produces tight contests between these two, and Atlético's need to manage energy ahead of a Champions League trip to Anfield could encourage a pragmatic approach.
Julián Álvarez's likely absence through illness and his unsettled status removes a key creative outlet, yet Atlético's squad depth has proven sufficient. Baena and Lookman offer more than enough firepower. Athletic may welcome Nico Williams back to the starting eleven, but one returning winger will not offset the structural issues exposed during their losing run. Atlético's superior form and composure make them favourites to collect all three points. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid
- Athletic four consecutive league defeats
- Atlético unbeaten with plus-four goal difference
- Atlético lost three of four San Mamés visits
Form & Statistics: Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid
Athletic Club
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Atlético de Madrid
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid
Athletic Club
Starters
- 1 Unai Simón
- 2 Jesús Areso
- 3 Aitor Paredes
- 4 Aymeric Laporte
- 5 Yuri Berchiche
- 6 Beñat Gerenabarrena
- 7 Álex Berenguer
- 8 Oihan Sancet
- 9 Robert Navarro
- 10 Iñaki Williams
Bench
- Julen Agirrezabala
- Oscar De Marcos
- Mikel Vesga
- Unai Gómez
- Nico Williams
- Gorka Guruzeta
- Asier Villalibre
Absent
- Yeray Álvarez (suspended)
- Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta (injury)
- Unai Egiluz (injury)
- Peio Canales (Muscle injury, expected return late September 2026)
- Beñat Prados (Thigh injury, expected return mid-September 2026)
- Dani Vivian (Groin/Hamstring injury, expected return mid-September 2026)
- Unai Vencedor (Injury)
Atlético de Madrid
Starters
- 1 Jan Oblak
- 2 Marcos Llorente
- 3 Marc Pubill
- 4 Dávid Hancko
- 5 Alejandro Grimaldo
- 6 Giuliano Simeone
- 7 Morten Hjulmand
- 8 Pablo Barrios
- 9 Álex Baena
- 10 Lee Kang-in
- 11 Ademola Lookman
Bench
- Horatiu Moldovan
- Stefan Savic
- Nahuel Molina
- Koke
- Saúl Ñíguez
- Antoine Griezmann
- Memphis Depay
Absent
- Javi Galán (injury)
- Alexander Sørloth (Muscle injury, expected return mid-September 2026)
- Johnny Cardoso (Ankle/Muscle injury, expected return unknown)
- Rodrigo Mendoza (Muscle injury, expected return unknown)
- José Giménez (Injury)
- Thomas Lemar (Injury)
Medium confidence
A 4-2-3-1 against a 4-4-2 shapes up as a fascinating tactical contest at San Mamés. Athletic's double pivot will need to be disciplined to contain Atlético's central midfield pairing, while Iñaki Williams offers the directness to stretch an away defence that will look to sit compact and frustrate.
For Atlético, the wide threat of Álex Baena and Giuliano Simeone on either flank is central to their attacking intent, with Ademola Lookman and Lee Kang-in tasked with supporting the press. Both probable XIs carry credible sourcing, though the situation surrounding Julián Álvarez adds a note of uncertainty to the visitors' final selection.
Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid Match?
What time is Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid?
Athletic Club host Atlético de Madrid at San Mamés Barria on 9 May 2026, with kickoff set for 15:15 BST.
Where is Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid being played?
This fixture takes place at San Mamés Barria, Athletic Club's home ground in Bilbao.
How Can I Watch Athletic Club vs Atlético de Madrid on TV and Live Stream?
This La Liga fixture is available to watch on LaLigaTV and via the league's official streaming platforms.