Athletic Bilbao's opponents have won by at least three goals the last six times the two sides have met,Real Madrid have fond memories from the time they last visited Estadio San Mamés. It was here, with a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, that Real Madrid finally put an end to Barcelona’s domestic supremacy and secured their 32nd La Liga title, having been in the Catalans’ shadow for over three years. The scenario is a little different this time however. Real Madrid have all but surrendered the La Liga crown to Barcelona and consequently winning the La Decima is a bigger priority than ever before. Having seen of Galatasaray in the Quarter Finals and the semi-final clash against Borussia Dortmund looming ever closer on the horizon
The current season, however, has been one of inconsistency and at times turmoil. The star performers from last season, notably Llorente and Iker Muniain have been in and out of form while the former is also bound for Juventus in summer. Marcelo Biesla has stated several times that the season remains a mystery to him, as it does to many others too
Real Madrid will be expected to line-up in the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Granted that Diego Lopez once again starts in goal for Real Madrid, he will be assisted by a back four comprising of Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Pepe and Marcelo. Luka Modric will be moving up the midfield
Team Line-up For Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1) : Iraizoz(GK); Ramalho, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe, Castillo; Jose, Iturrapse; Susaseta, Herrera, Muniain; Llorente
Team Line-up For Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) : Lopez(GK); Ramos, Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo; Alonso, Khedira; Callejon, Modric, Morata; Benzema
The current season, however, has been one of inconsistency and at times turmoil. The star performers from last season, notably Llorente and Iker Muniain have been in and out of form while the former is also bound for Juventus in summer. Marcelo Biesla has stated several times that the season remains a mystery to him, as it does to many others too
Real Madrid will be expected to line-up in the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Granted that Diego Lopez once again starts in goal for Real Madrid, he will be assisted by a back four comprising of Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Pepe and Marcelo. Luka Modric will be moving up the midfield
Team Line-up For Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1) : Iraizoz(GK); Ramalho, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe, Castillo; Jose, Iturrapse; Susaseta, Herrera, Muniain; Llorente
Team Line-up For Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) : Lopez(GK); Ramos, Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo; Alonso, Khedira; Callejon, Modric, Morata; Benzema
