Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction:The home team is the clear favourite

In round 38 of the Spanish championship, Real Madrid will face Athletic. A classic Spanish game in which Real Madrid are the clear favourites. The two sides are still formally motivated in the tournament.

Real Madrid has long since lost the title to Barcelona, but they may be unable to hold on to the second place. Atletico is only one point behind the Reales, and being above the Magpies ultimately matters to Real. After defeats to City and Valencia, Real Madrid have won two games in a row by the same score of 2:1. The home side beat Rayo Vallecano in the derby, while the away side beat Sevilla. Real Madrid's home record is second best in the division, +13=4-1, 43:15 goal difference.

Athletic has lost four of their last five matches, winning only 2:1 at home to Celta in this period. These statistics suggest that the Basques are not keen on playing in the Conference League, and a place in the Europa League is long overdue for the Lions. The Basques need more points in the final round to finish in seventh place and ahead of Osasuna. In this case, the Basques are only a point ahead of Girona, Rayo, and Sevilla. The Athletic's away statistics are 7th in the division, +6=5-7, 24:27 goal difference.

We believe that the home team does not want to upset their fans with the loss of points in a home game against a historically principled opponent. Furthermore, should they fail to win on Sunday, Club Atlético de Madrid risk missing out on the first leg, which is desirable. Atletico Madrid might still be formally motivated to finish seventh in the standings and ultimately play in the Conference League. However, judging by their current pace, the Basques are not interested in the third most important European competition. Real Madrid will finish the season with a solid home win.

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