Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid

Real Madrid play away to the always difficult Athletic Bilbao in week 18 of La Liga. This is a match between of Spanish sides with very deep history as they make up 2 of the 3 teams in all of Spain, along with Barcelona, who have never been relegated.

The home side Athletic Bilbao were able to hold out for a draw in their week 17 match which ended in a 1-1 final away to Malaga at the Estadio La Rosaleda. Bilbao had fallen behind in the score before Llorente was able to score from the penalty spot late to earn his club a split of the points. The result leaves Los Leones in 8th place of the league table with 27 points and they sit 3 points ahead of the 9th place Sporting Gijon. The side managed by Joaquin Caparros are reporting that Xabi Castillo is a slight doubt.

Real Madrid held serve at home in week 17 as they knocked off Real Mallorca by a score of 2-0 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain was the hero as his brace was the difference in the contest. The win allows the side managed by Chilean boss Manuel Pellegrini to keep pace with the league leaders Barsa. Real are in 2nd place with 41 points and sit 2 points behind Barcelona while holding a 6 point edge on the 3rd place Valencia. The good news for Real is that the talented Xabi Alonso is expected to be able to play.

Live La Liga
Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid
San Mames, kick off 1900 hours