The Japan Times - Unravelling Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao Liga test

The high-flying Basque side visit a Santiago Bernabeu where the crowd is expected to unleash their anger after the Spanish champions' bitter end to their European title defence.

Fans who fully believed in Madrid's capacity for a comeback against Arsenal in the quarter-finals on Wednesday were left stunned as the English side won 2-1 on the night to progress 5-1 on aggregate.

Once the shock wears off it usually turns to fury, with Real Madrid's stars braced for whistles and jeers at the weekend.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe will not have to face the noise after his red card last weekend left him suspended for the Athletic clash, and he also sustained an ankle issue against Arsenal.

On the other hand Vinicius Junior may come under fire despite scoring Madrid's only goal in 180 minutes against Mikel Arteta's side.

The Brazilian has been far below his best this season as coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose future is far from certain at Madrid, has struggled to accommodate both him and Mbappe in the same side while maintaining any semblance of structure.

Despite Madrid's disarray, they are only four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who host Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Hansi Flick's side suffered their first defeat of the year in midweek but still reached the Champions League semi-finals.

"There are three competitions that we have to be focussed on now, in La Liga, the final of the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup," said Ancelotti after the Arsenal defeat.

"I think we have to analyse what we can do better, La Liga is in play... so we have to move forward," added goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

That might be easier said than done, though, although Mbappe's absence gives Ancelotti the chance to revert to the set-up which worked for him last season, with Bellingham potentially playing in a central attacking role.

Energetic midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also available after missing the Arsenal defeat through suspension.

Athletic, fourth, always enjoy the chance to put Madrid under the cosh, and could take advantage of Ancelotti's side given their brittle state this season.

Los Blancos have lost 12 games across all competitions and are particularly vulnerable on the flanks, where dynamic winger Nico Williams can profit.

The Spain international netted as Athletic beat Rangers 2-0 on Thursday to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Valverde's side will be high on confidence for their visit to the capital and will try to keep their momentum going by piling on the misery for Madrid.

Player to watch: Pedri

Barcelona rested playmaker Pedri against Borussia Dortmund and fell to their first defeat of 2025. The Catalans will bring the Canary Islander back against Celta Vigo as they aim to consolidate their La Liga advantage.

Key stats

25 - goals for La Liga top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who can expand his lead on the suspended Mbappe who has 22

105 - No Brazilian player has scored more goals for Real Madrid than Vinicius

183 - clearances made by Espanyol defender Marash Kumbulla, the most in La Liga

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Espanyol v Getafe (1900)

Saturday

Rayo Vallecano (1200), Barcelona v Celta Vigo (1415), Mallorca v Leganes (1630), Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (1900)

Sunday

Valladolid v Osasuna (1200), Villarreal v Real Sociedad (1415), Sevilla v Alaves (1630), Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (1900)

Monday

Girona v Real Betis (1900)

K.Yamaguchi--JT