Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid continues their La Liga journey on Saturday as they welcome Athletic Club to Riyadh Air Metropolitano for their next fixture.

While still in the top four with 57 points from 32 matches, seven ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis, Diego Simeone’s men are struggling with four consecutive losses in the league, their longest losing run since 2021.

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news

Atletico Madrid team news

Diego Simeone faces a challenging selection period as his squad battles several injuries and a crucial suspension.

Thiago Almada is unavailable after receiving a red card during the midweek clash against Elche.

Defensively, the Colchoneros are thin; José María Giménez remains sidelined with a persistent muscle injury, while Dávid Hancko is a major doubt despite returning to light training.

In attack, Ademola Lookman is ruled out with an adductor strain, though there is optimism he could return for the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

On a more positive note, Jan Oblak and Pablo Barrios have both returned to the pitch, providing much-needed stability.

With European commitments looming, Simeone may lean on squad rotation, potentially handing starts to Giuliano Simeone to manage the physical workload of his key starters.

Athletic Club team news

Ernesto Valverde’s side travels to the Metropolitano with several key fitness concerns following a bruising victory over Osasuna.

The midfield will be missing Mikel Jauregizar, who serves a suspension after his recent dismissal.

Long-term, the Lions remain without Beñat Prados, who is out with a cruciate ligament injury.

The defensive unit is under the most scrutiny; Yuri Berchiche and centre-back Aymeric Laporte are both facing late fitness tests after being substituted early mid-week due to breathing difficulties and hamstring tightness, respectively.

If they cannot feature, Aitor Paredes and Adama Boiro are expected to step in. Inaki Williams and Nico Williams are expected to continue on the flanks while Gorka Guruzeta will lead the line as Athletic pushes for the European Spot next season.

Form

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid enter this clash in their worst slump of the season, having lost seven of their last eight matches across all competitions. This dismal run includes a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final and a recent 3-2 league loss at Elche. Despite this, they remain fourth in La Liga, bolstered by a formidable home record of 13 wins from 16 games.

Athletic Club

Athletic Club arrives with mixed momentum, currently sitting ninth in the standings. They recently snapped a poor streak by edging past Osasuna 1-0, a vital result after managing only one win in their previous seven outings. However, their away form remains a significant concern; the Basque side has secured just three victories on the road all season and has conceded in 12 consecutive away matches.

Predicted lineups

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Bonar, Pubill, Lenglet, Diaz; Koke, Vargas; Simeone, Griezmann, Gonzalez; Alvarez

Athletic Club: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Rego; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club?

You can watch Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao (La Liga, 25 April 2026) in the UK via Disney+.

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