Real Madrid face Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in a crucial La Liga clash as Los Blancos aim to get their title charge back on track. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (18:00 GMT), with live coverage and pre-match build-up on Al Jazeera Sport starting at 15:00 GMT.

Following a string of draws, Real Madrid have slipped behind rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga 2025/26, making this fixture critical for Xabi Alonso’s side to reclaim momentum in the title race.

Real Madrid Form and Challenges

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Girona last Sunday, marking their third consecutive draw in the league. Despite falling behind early to Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi, Real fought back with Kylian Mbappe converting a penalty for his 14th league goal of the season.

Manager Xabi Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, acknowledged the need for a change in dynamics:

“Absolutely not the result we wanted, but the league is still on and very long. We need to change this dynamic and show who we are as a team.”

Defensive injuries remain a concern for Madrid, with Dean Huijsen and David Alaba doubtful due to muscular problems, while Dani Carvajal will be sidelined until 2026 following knee surgery. Raul Asencio is expected to return from illness in time for the trip to Bilbao.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras; Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr

Athletic Bilbao Form and Key Players

Athletic Bilbao head into the match on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Levante, with goals from Robert Navarro and Nico Williams. Currently eighth in the league with 20 points from 14 games, Bilbao will be eager to continue their recent resurgence at San Mamés.

Manager Ernesto Valverde highlighted the importance of building confidence after a series of disappointing results:

“This match was very important for us in many ways, both from a morale standpoint, and above all, to get our confidence after some less than positive results.”

Athletic’s squad news is mixed. Midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta returns from suspension, while Oihan Sancet remains sidelined. Injuries continue to plague the squad, with Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz, Maroan Sannadi, and Robert Navarro out, and Inaki Williams a doubt after a groin injury. Aymeric Laporte is expected to return after missing the Levante game through illness.

Predicted Athletic Bilbao XI: Simon; Gorosabel, Laporte, Vivian, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sanchez, Nico Williams; Gomez

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have met 248 times, with Real Madrid winning 124 matches, Athletic Bilbao 79, and 45 draws. Bilbao won their most recent meeting at San Mamés 2-1, their first La Liga victory over Madrid since March 2015.

Key Battles to Watch

• Mbappe vs Athletic defence: Real’s superstar striker will be key in breaking down Bilbao’s resilient backline.
• Nico Williams vs Alexander-Arnold: Athletic’s pacey winger will look to exploit Madrid’s full-back space.
• Midfield control: The battle between Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouameni against Bilbao’s Ruiz de Galarreta and Jauregizar could determine the game’s tempo.

With La Liga title implications hanging in the balance, both teams are expected to play aggressively, making this fixture one of the most intriguing match-ups of the midweek round.