Two of the Spanish top flight’s top four clash at the Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday night. Our Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club prediction and La Liga betting tips consider whether the visitors can catapult themselves into title contention with a surprise win.
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Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club prediction: Nico Williams to assist in draw
Key stats
- Our Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club betting tips take into account that the visitors have gone 16 league matches without losing.
- Athletic have drawn 42% of their road games in La Liga 2024/25.
- 71% of Atletico Madrid’s league matches against current top-six opponents this term have ended level.
Correct score prediction: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Athletic Club
Athletic are at a slight advantage here, in that they didn’t play in midweek in the Copa del Rey and have an extra couple of days off until their European game on Thursday.
There are no such luxuries for Diego Simeone who may rest some key players ahead of the Madrid derby in the Champions League on Tuesday. An in-form Athletic look very capable of getting something from this game to extend their unbeaten run to 17 matches in La Liga.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hosts favoured by the bookies
- HOME: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.8%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club odds, with an implied probability of 48.8% that they win this match.
They come into the game following a remarkable Copa del Rey clash at Barcelona which ended 4-4, with Atleti scoring twice in the opening six minutes and twice after the 80th minute.
There were also eight goals in Athletic’s last match, a 7-1 victory over bottom club Real Valladolid in La Liga, with Nico Williams scoring twice.
For more from the upcoming games, today’s football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: An even rivalry
Our Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club prediction suggests this will be close and the sides have enjoyed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with three wins each across the last six meetings.
Athletic were Copa del Rey winners on this ground last season, but they’ve lost on three of their last four visits in La Liga.
Spain La Liga 01/03/25
Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Spain La Liga 31/08/24
Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid
Spain La Liga 27/04/24
Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Spain Copa del Rey 29/02/24
Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid
Spain Copa del Rey 07/02/24
Atletico Madrid
Athletic Bilbao
Atletico Madrid preview: Griezmann to be rested?
Having gone very strong in the cup in midweek, Simeone may rest the likes of Antoine Griezmann here. Koke and Cesar Azpilicueta are out injured.
Predicted Lineup: Oblak (GK), Reinildo, Gimenez, Le Normand, Molina, Lino, Barrios, De Paul, Gallagher, Correa & Sorloth
Spain La Liga 10/05/25 W Real Sociedad 0 Atletico Madrid 4 Spain La Liga 03/05/25 D CD Alaves 0 Atletico Madrid 0 Spain La Liga 24/04/25 W Rayo Vallecano 0 Atletico Madrid 3 Spain La Liga 19/04/25 L Las Palmas 1 Atletico Madrid 0 Spain La Liga 14/04/25 W Valladolid 2 Atletico Madrid 4
Athletic Club preview: Sancet sidelined again
Ernesto Valverde has been dealt a big blow, with top scorer Oihan Sancet out injured once more. Alvaro Djalo is their only other doubt heading into this one.
Predicted Lineup: Simon (GK), Yuri, Yeray, Vivian, Gorosabel, Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta, Berenguer, I. Williams, Sannadi & N. Williams
Spain La Liga 11/05/25 W CD Alaves 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 UEFA Europa League 08/05/25 L Man Utd 4 Athletic Bilbao 1 Spain La Liga 04/05/25 D Real Sociedad 0 Athletic Bilbao 0 UEFA Europa League 01/05/25 L Man Utd 3 Athletic Bilbao 0 Spain La Liga 23/04/25 W Las Palmas 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 
Player to watch – Nico Williams
After the highs of Euro 2024, Nico Williams endured a slightly disappointing first half of the season, but he has hit form in recent weeks. The 22-year-old has three goals and two assists in his last three appearances.
Nico’s creative threat
The Spain international had only scored once in La Liga before last weekend, but he has registered five assists. He’s averaging 1.7 key passes per game in the Spanish top flight this term, more than any other player who could feature in this match.