Real Madrid vs Athletic Club, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 31/03/2024

Odds via Tonybet

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club	March 31, 2024, 3:00 PM EDT
Real Madrid odds	-176
Athletic Club odds	+480
Draw	+340
Over\Under	2 +102/-121

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club. Shape of the Teams

After the international hiatus that saw both Camavinga and Courtois return to their clubs with injuries, Real Madrid is back on the pitch against Athletic Club in a league classic.

Athletic Club’s victories over Real Madrid have been few and far between, especially away from home. Their only recent victory was in 2022 during the Copa Del Rey. The Basques bowed down or were held to a draw by the Madridistas in all other ties.

Real Madrid is still undefeated in the league, barring a single loss to Atlético de Madrid. Since then, however, Real Madrid has continued to enjoy life in Spain with an eight-point lead over arch-rival F.C Barcelona.

Besides Camavinga and Courtois, Vinicius Jr. will also be absent. Instead of him, we will probably see a forward lineup featuring Diaz and Rodygo.

It is important to note that Athletic Club often struggles to replicate the intensity of their home games when playing away. At the Bernabeu, where the roaring home crowd supports Real Madrid, things become even more challenging for the Basques.

Real Madrid’s last clash with Athletic Club is etched in the memories of the Madridistas due to Jude Bellingham’s first goal and subsequent celebration, which many saw as a provocation. This raises the question: Can Bellingham do it again?

La Liga standings

Real Madrid — 72 points
Barcelona — 64 points
Girona — 62 points
Athletic Club — 56 points
Atlético de Madrid — 55 points

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Match Info

Date and Kickoff Time: Sunday, March 31, 3:00 PM EDT
Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Location: Madrid, Spain
Last match: Athletic Club – Real Madrid : 0-2 (August 12, 2023, La Liga)

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club, Odds

Pick: Real Madrid to win
Odds: -176 (Tonybet)

Unfortunately for Athletic Club, their defence will have to do without centre-back Paredes, who is sidelined due to injury. This creates a major leak in the backline, which Bellingham and Rodrygo, the major creative forces in the absence of the suspended Vinicius Jr., could easily exploit.

🎯 @Brahim 🎯
📺 INSIDE TRAINING 👉 #RMPlay
🔗 https://t.co/az9dF3b4n3 pic.twitter.com/n6oglHJ2pn
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 28, 2024

Although Athletic Club is known for their typically tight formation, the battle for control in the half-spaces will be key, especially with Toni Kroos still being a major force in midfield. Kroos, who recently returned to the national German team, has been showing the world why he is still a starter for the biggest club in the world, even as the years start to count for the midfielder.

Another major question will be how Athletic Club’s press will adapt – Real Madrid rarely faces an opponent that closes spaces as efficiently as Athletic Club.

However, the difference in individual skill levels between the two teams is what will likely tilt the balance in Real Madrid’s favour. Although Athletic Club has often drawn against Real Madrid and only lost twice since January, a victory in the upcoming match seems a tall order.

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Betting Tip

Pick: Jude Bellingham to score
Odds: +129 (Tonybet)

If anyone would have predicted that Jude Bellingham would be in the Pichichi race ahead of the season, they’d be labelled crazy. And yet, here we are with Bellingham leading the charts with 16 goals in La Liga.

After his very first goal against Athletic Club, it has become the norm to expect Bellingham to score or at least be involved in the goal-making process.

It is truly mind-blowing how quickly Bellingham has adapted to La Liga and has become a fan favourite despite only being with the club for less than a full year.

With Paredes absent from Athletic Club’s lineup, I expect that their defence won’t perform as well as it has in the past – and Bellingham will absolutely love that half-space opportunity.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.