Atl. Madrid vs Ath Bilbao prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-18 17:30.
After an uncharacteristically rocky start to the season, AtlĂ©tico Madrid are becoming increasingly comfortable within La Ligaâs (LL) top four after stringing together a five-game unbeaten league run (W3, D2) that was extended by a 1-0 victory at Celta Vigo. That triumph had all the hallmarks of manager Diego Simeoneâs relentlessness with his AtlĂ©ti side, who were down to ten men and mostly outplayed, but that didnât prevent Memphis Depay opening his account for the Colchoneros via a 89th-minute winner.
Depay declared his own long-term aims after the win when stating that he âcame to this beautiful club to score goalsâ and his boss will be wanting more of that ruthlessness back at the Metropolitano, where they have won just two of their last six LL home outings (D3, L1). The Argentine manager has enjoyed facing Athletic Bilbao in his decade at the club, with his side unbeaten in 11 home LL H2Hs (W9, D2).
LL journeyman Ernesto Valverde has also edged Simeone in a few managerial matchups recently (W3, D2, L2) and his Athletic side will arrive here full of confidence after posting back-to-back LL wins for the first time since September following their 2-1 triumph at Valencia. That was Athleticâs first league away win from eight attempts (D3, L4), and as they approach this round in seventh place, theyâll need to improve their away returns if they want to reach UEFA competition for the first time since 2017/18.
Something the Basque club has in their favour is a firing forward line, courtesy of the flourishing of young talents Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. With only Barcelona and Real Madrid having scored more league goals than Athleticâs 31 ahead of the weekend, and Valverde describing their latest victory as an "important boostâ, the Lions have the form and the weaponry to avenge their 1-0 loss in Octoberâs reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Since the start of 2021/22, no other AtlĂ©tico player has scored more LL opening goals than Ăngel Correa (nine). Looking to steal his limelight may be Athleticâs Nico Williams – he has registered the joint-most goal contributions for his side (G4, A4) this season, and also netted in his sideâs triumph at the Metropolitano last season.
Hot stat: There have been a total of six red cards shown in AtlĂ©ticoâs last five LL home games!