Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao at 02:00 on April 26, La Liga Round 33

Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao (02:00, April 26). Predicted outcome, expected lineups, expert analysis of the match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao in Round 33 of the Spanish La Liga 2025/26 season.

Preview: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid is experiencing a severe crisis unprecedented under coach Diego Simeone. The 2-3 loss to Elche recently marked their fourth consecutive defeat in La Liga and their seventh loss in their last eight matches across all competitions. A disjointed playing style and the heavy psychological burden following their Copa del Rey final defeat are plaguing the capital's team.

Although they still hold the 4th position on the table with an 8-point lead over the 5th-placed team, if they do not quickly break this dreadful streak, Atletico's Champions League qualification spot could be threatened. Another major issue is distraction, as they face an extremely crucial Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal mid-next week. Coach Simeone faces a difficult dilemma between securing a good result to boost morale and conserving energy for the European campaign.

On the other side, Athletic Bilbao arrives at the Metropolitano buoyed by a 1-0 victory over Osasuna. This result keeps the Basque team's hopes alive for competing for a top 6 spot, as they are now only 3 points behind Getafe. Although their away form this season under coach Ernesto Valverde is not particularly impressive (only 3 wins in 15 matches), they have always been a highly troublesome opponent for the big clubs.

Notably, Bilbao aims to complete a double victory over Atletico this season after defeating them 1-0 in the first leg at San Mames. With their physically demanding style, high pressing, and the threat posed by the Williams brothers on the wings, Bilbao can fully exploit Atletico's shaky defense to secure a favorable result. Given the host team's current disarray, this is an ideal opportunity for the Basque side to accumulate points in their pursuit of a European cup qualification spot.

Squad Status: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid: Thiago Almada is absent due to suspension (red card against Elche). The injury list and uncertain availability still include key players like Alexander Sorloth, Ademola Lookman, David Hancko, and Jose Gimenez. However, Koke, Jose Alvarez, and Marcos Llorente are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in the previous round.

Athletic Bilbao: Young midfielder Mikel Jauregizar is unavailable due to suspension. Benat Prados is definitely out due to injury. The availability of veteran center-back Aymeric Laporte remains uncertain after his early exit in the previous match. Oihan Sancet will return to the attacking midfielder role to support Gorka Guruzeta.

Expected Lineups: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Pubill, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Koke, Llorente; Simeone, Griezmann, Gonzalez; Alvarez.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Rego; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta.

Head-to-head History and Form: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Atletico Madrid's Recent Form

23/04/26: Elche 3-2 Atletico (La Liga)

19/04/26: Atletico 2-2 Real Sociedad (Lost on penalties - Copa del Rey Final)

15/04/26: Atletico 1-2 Barcelona (Champions League)

12/04/26: Sevilla 2-1 Atletico (La Liga)

09/04/26: Barcelona 0-2 Atletico (Champions League)

Athletic Bilbao's Recent Form

22/04/26: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Osasuna (La Liga)

13/04/26: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Villarreal (La Liga)

05/04/26: Getafe 2-0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

23/03/26: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Betis (La Liga)

14/03/26: Girona 3-0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

Head-to-head History: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

07/12/25: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Atletico (La Liga)

02/03/25: Atletico 1-0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

01/09/24: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Atletico (La Liga)

28/04/24: Atletico 3-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

01/03/24: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Atletico (Copa del Rey)

Predicted Outcome: Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

With Atletico Madrid's focus entirely on the crucial Champions League clash against Arsenal mid-next week, it is difficult to expect them to perform at 100% capability and concentration against Bilbao. The visiting team, with their disciplined play and determination to reach the top 6, will pose an immense challenge for Simeone's squad at this moment. A draw seems a reasonable outcome for both sides under the current circumstances.

Predicted Score: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao