Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: the Hosts Shouldn't Keep the Rivals Close

Prediction for the La Liga Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao match, which will take place on February 19th. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

The exit from the Copa del Rey was a shock for the Indians. That is the only tournament they could win this season because the capital team dropped out of the European competitions before that. In the Spanish championship, the Indians could not win anything for a while. Consequently, Atletico stepped up in La Liga and earned seven points in three rounds. During this period, Atletico defeated Osasuna and Celta and drew with Getafe, all unproductive. Before the 22nd round, Atletico sits fourth - in the Champions League, four points ahead of Betis. Atletico's home stats are 13th in the division, +4=3-3, 15:10 goal difference.

Unlike Atletico, Athletic is fighting for the second most crucial trophy, but the Basques are no less active in La Liga. For example, in the last three rounds, Athletic lost to Celta and won over Cadiz and Valencia. They pursue Rayo Vallecano, losing only one point to the Bees and six points to Atletico. The Basques still hope to compete for a UCL place. So the Basques need at least not to lose in Madrid on Sunday. Athletic's away statistics are seventh in the division, +3=3-4, 15:15 goal difference.

Should Atletico win, they would eliminate one of their main rivals for a UCL place because the gap between the opponents would grow to 9 points. Such a handicap will be tricky for the Basques to level in the remaining time, given that the Madrid team is focused on La Liga. In this case, the loss of points could cause Betis and Rayo to come too close to Atletico. So we are on the side of the Indians. Also, in recent matches of Simeone's team, there have been few over results.