Athletic Club vs Atletico Madrid
Your time to shine.
Fancy your chances? Challenge a mate on this game.
Challenge a friendThe new La Liga season kicks off with Athletic Club facing Atletico Madrid in what promises to be an intriguing encounter. Both teams are eager to set the tone for the campaign ahead, with Atletico Madrid looking to leverage their summer reinforcements to gain an early advantage.
The context
Athletic Club, known as Los Leones, will be aiming to assert themselves after a summer of relative quiet on the transfer front. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, or Los Colchoneros, have been busy bolstering their squad with the arrivals of Álex Grimaldo, M. Hjulmand, and C. Romero, while parting ways with A. Griezmann and M. Ruggeri. This fresh business could prove pivotal as the season unfolds.
Key facts
- 1.Atletico Madrid have strengthened their squad with three new signings: Álex Grimaldo, M. Hjulmand, and C. Romero.
- 2.Athletic Club have not made notable transfer moves this summer.
- 3.Atletico Madrid finished last season with a significantly better goal difference than Athletic Club.
- 4.Atletico Madrid averaged 1.82 points per game last season, compared to Athletic Club's 1.18.
- 5.The predicted halftime score is 0-2 in favour of Atletico Madrid.
- 6.The forecast total number of cards in the match is four.
- 7.The most probable fulltime scoreline is 1-3, favouring Atletico Madrid.
Analysis
Statistically, Atletico Madrid hold the upper hand with a stronger goal difference and a higher points-per-game average from last season. The prediction models strongly favour an away win, with a 3-1 scoreline the most probable outcome. A halftime lead of 2-0 for Atletico suggests they will start assertively, putting Athletic Club on the back foot early on. The expected four cards indicate a competitive but controlled match.
Prediction
Expect Atletico Madrid to take control early and maintain their advantage throughout, finishing with a 3-1 victory. Athletic Club may find the visitors' new signings a handful, and while they will get on the scoresheet, the gap in quality and recent squad strengthening points to a clear away win.
The verdict
This season opener sets the stage for Atletico Madrid to demonstrate their ambitions with a confident win. Athletic Club will need to regroup quickly after this setback if they are to challenge higher up the table. Fans can look forward to a lively match with plenty of action and a decisive result.
Team Comparison
Season shape — attack, defence, form, clean sheets & win rate
Home vs Away comparison
Goal difference in each of the last few fixtures — above the line is a net win, below is a net loss
Season comparison
Goals scored & conceded, goal difference and clean sheets across the season
Halftime Performance
What each side does once the whistle goes for half time
Streaks
Recent-form runs — each side’s most-recent game meets in the middle
Head to Head
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Barcelona | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +10 | 9 |
| 2 |  Real Madrid | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +8 | 9 |
| 3 |  Atletico Madrid | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| 4 |  Alaves | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| 12 |  Espanyol | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 13 |  Athletic Club | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 3 |
| 14 |  Getafe | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 3 |