class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>These two sides shared four goals when they met four weeks ago but we are backing their Spanish Super Cup meeting on Thursday to be a tighter affair
Real Madrid begin the defence of their Spanish Super Cup title on Thursday evening as Zinedine Zidane’s side face Athletic Club in the semi-final of the tournament.
These two sides met in La Liga a month ago in Madrid where Los Blancos recorded a 3-1 win, and the Spanish champions are clear favourites to record another victory for this fixture in Malaga.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Latest Odds
Zinedine Zidane’s men are offered at 13/20 (1.65) with bet365 to win in 90 minutes and at 1/3 (1.33) to qualify for the final, whilst the Basques can be backed at 15/4 (4.75) to win and 9/4 (3.25) to make it through to Sunday’s final.
The draw is priced at 3/1 (4.00).
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Team News
Madrid are without long-term injury absentee Rodrygo, while Dani Carvajal and Luka Jovic are also unavailable for Thursday’s clash – although they could be fit for a potential final at the weekend.
Marcelino Garcia will be unable to call upon the services of Yuri Berchiche, Peru Nolaskoain and Unai Lopez, who have all stayed in Bilbao to recover from their respective injuries.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Preview
Real’s preparations for this game have been far from ideal, with the side flying in the middle of an historic snowstorm to Pamplona to play out a 0-0 draw at Osasuna on Saturday evening, only to find themselves stranded and unable to return to the capital.
Much to their frustration, the club had to improvise and travel directly to Malaga where their Super Cup semi-final is taking place.
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On the field, the team have also been frustrated in recent matches with games against struggling Elche and Osasuna bringing draws, with the champions lacking a spark in the final third.
Athletic, for their part, will surely improve at the back under new manager Marcelino given he turned Valencia into an excellent defensive unit during his last job in La Liga, and there could be some interest in opposing a high-scoring game on Thursday.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Tips and Predictions
Under 2.5 goals has paid out in eight of Madrid’s last 10 matches in all competitions and a repeat is priced at a healthy looking 10/11 (1.91).
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.