Round 22 of the 2022-23 Spanish La Liga season continues Sunday, February 19, with four games on the schedule, including the marquee matchup between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds (19.2.2023)
Sunday’s match at Metropolitano Stadium is huge for both Indians and Lions. The battle for the Champions League spots is heating up, and Athletic Bilbao would be in a tough situation with an eventual loss here.
Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao: Initial Situation
Atletico Madrid occupy the fourth spot in La Liga with 38 points (W11, D5, L5) and a 30:17 goal difference, four points above Betis and five ahead of Rayo Vallecano. Athletic Bilbao (W9, D5, L7) are seventh with 32 points and a 31:22 goal difference.
Atletico Madrid Stats & Form
The Indians are undefeated in five consecutive league games, recording three wins in the process. Last Sunday, they outlasted Celta Vigo 1-0 on the road thanks to Memphis Depay’s goal in the 89th minute. The Indians have struggled at home so far this season, earning 15 points out of ten games (W4, D3, L3) and a 15:10 goal difference.
Striker Alvaro Morata is the team’s top scorer with nine goals in 30 appearances in all competitions. Forward Antoine Griezmann has accounted for seven goals and nine assists across 31 apps, while winger Angel Correa has added six goals and a couple of dishes in 30 games. Centre-back Stefan Savic is suspended for Sunday’s clash against the Lions.
Athletic Bilbao Stats & Form
After losing three straight contests against Real Sociedad 3-1, Real Madrid 2-0, and Celta Vigo 1-0, the Lions have won two straight over Cadiz 4-1 at home and Valencia 2-1 on the road. Last Saturday, the Lions outlasted the Bats, overcoming an early deficit thanks to a couple of goals from Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet.
Sancet, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, is Bilbao’s leading scorer with eight goals in 24 appearances in all competitions. Winger Nico Williams has seven goals and six assists on his season tally, while fellow winger Alex Berenguer has recorded six goals and four dishes in 24 appearances. Centre-back Inigo Martinez is sidelined with a foot injury, and midfielder Ander Herrera is questionable to play against Atletico Madrid due to a hamstring injury.
Atletico Madrid – Athletic Bilbao: Head-to-Head
The Indians outlasted the Lions 1-0 in their first meeting of the season, as Antoine Griezmann scored the winner at the start of the second half. The Lions outshot the Indians 13-3 and held the ball on their feet for 61 percent of the time, but it wasn’t enough. It was Bilbao’s first loss in five games against Atletico Madrid, and the Lions are undefeated in two straight road matches versus the Indians.
Atletico Madrid – Athletic Bilbao Odds
The hosts are slight favorites to come out on top, and the bookmakers are expecting a tight battle. Bet365 Sportsbook offers 1.62 odds on Under 2.5 Goals, while Both Teams to Score YES pays 2.00.
Betting tip and prediction: Atletico Madrid – Athletic Bilbao (19.2.2023)
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is well-known for his cautious approach. It’s no strange that his team has played much better away from home where the Indians can defend and look for counterattacks. On the other side, Ernesto Valverde’s team prefers to keep the ball in possession, but the Lions have to be very careful in this matchup and avoid mistakes in the middle of the park.
I would stay away from the side bet, though betting on a draw at 3.30 on bet365 Sportsbook seems tempting. If you like to take the risk, go for it, while taking Under 2.5 Goals at 1.62 looks like a sure shot.