Atletico vs Athletic Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Atletico is, of course, the defending La Liga champions while Bilbao qualified for this mini-tournament as Copa Del Rey runners-up and won the Supercopa de España last year. The latest soccer betting odds list Atletico as -110 favorites.

• Game: Atlético Madrid vs Athletic Club
• Location: King Fahd Stadium, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Date/Time: Thursday, 2 p.m. ET

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview

Head to Head

Atletico Madrid has historically been a better pick for betting online in this fixture, but recent meetings have been competitive. These two sides drew 0-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano in September and split their meetings last season.

The last six meetings have been even, with two wins apiece and two draws.

Atletico Starting New Year Off Better

It’s been a busy new year thus far for Atletico Madrid. They had a handful of players test positive just before the end of the holiday break, leaving them shorthanded for a match vs intra-city rivals Rayo Vallecano. That was especially bad news, given Atletico had lost three consecutive La Liga matches before the new year.

In any case, Atletico defeated Rayo 2-0 and followed it up with a 5-0 win over Rayo Majadahonda in the Round of 32 of the Copa Del Rey. Atletico was tested with a tricky match at an in-form Villarreal on Sunday and came away with a point.

Atletico’s Angel Correa opened up the scoring, but the home side came back and took the lead in the 58th minute. It was an eventful match for Atletico midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, who leveled the score and got sent off in the final stages of the match. Atletico now sits in fourth place in La Liga.

Forward Antoine Griezmann missed out due to a muscle injury and his status is worth keeping tabs on for Thursday’s match. Joao Felix and captain Koke were able to make substitute appearances after recovering from Covid.

Atletico has been one of the more inconsistent recent soccer picks among top teams but has done very well in tournaments this season. They made the Last 16 of the Champions League and could make a deep run in the Copa Del Rey as well.

Bilbao a Tough Out

Athletic Bilbao is also undefeated in the new year and kicked 2022 off with a 3-1 win at Osasuna. Oihan Sancet scored his first career hat trick and it came out of nowhere.

Then, 19-year old winger Nico Williams scored a double vs Atletico Mancha in the Copa Del Rey to set up a Round of 16 tie vs Barcelona.

A scoreless draw at Alaves followed on Sunday as Bilbao continued its solid run of form away from home in La Liga. Bilbao has lost just once in 11 matches away from San Mames and has one of the best defenses in the league. In fact, Athletic has allowed the second-fewest goals in La Liga and Unai Simon has had another fine season in goal.

Bilbao may only be in ninth place but it has shown it can compete with anyone. All of their losses this season have come by a one-goal margin.

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

Correa has scored three goals in his last two starts for Atletico Madrid, so expect Diego Simeone to utilize the in-form striker once again. Luis Suarez missed Atletico’s last match due to a yellow card suspension and should give them a solid boost.

Athletic Bilbao is usually well organized and they should make this a competitive match. Don’t forget that Athletic knocked off Real Madrid and Barcelona to win this competition last year. I think Bilbao is undervalued at +335 in the sportsbook and I’m taking them to pull off the upset.

Pick: Athletic Bilbao (+335)