Real Madrid travel to San Mamés this Wednesday to face Athletic Bilbao in the 16th round of La Liga. For this match, Carlo Ancelotti will need to avoid a poor performance, which would further undermine his legitimacy as the head of the Madrid team.
Second in La Liga with 33 points, behind Barcelona who have 34 points but with a game in hand, Real Madrid will attempt to stay in touch. After the home victory against Getafe last Sunday, the Madrid side will embark on a long series of away matches, starting with the Basques of Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday. For this match, which is no easy task, Carlo Ancelotti is in danger: the risk of sowing even more doubt about his ability to deliver strong performances against attacking teams.
Nico Williams and Bilbao, a tough challenge
As has been the case since the start of the season, Real Madrid has not been convincing. Despite a solid win ratio in the league, Carlo Ancelotti’s team has shown several weaknesses against so-called top teams. Apart from a remarkable comeback victory against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Real Madrid have yet to secure a significant win in La Liga. After a draw (1-1) against city rivals Atlético Madrid on September 29th during the 7th round, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates suffered a monumental thrashing against FC Barcelona in the Clasico.
These were two mixed results against two top teams in the league. Against Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday, the task once again looks daunting for the Madrid side. Indeed, the Basques, who are unbeaten in nine matches, with six wins (three in the Europa League), will not make it easy for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. With players like Nico Williams, a genuine Spanish gem who nearly signed for Barcelona during the last transfer window, his brother Iñaki Williams, and Oihan Sancet, Ernesto Valverde’s team will be a tough opponent this Wednesday.
A must-win at San Mamés
If Real Madrid suffer another defeat to the Basques, Carlo Ancelotti will be under serious scrutiny regarding his ability to get the best out of his team this season. With Raúl Alaba, who has perfectly filled in for the injured Eder Militão, the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Dani Ceballos’ rise in form, not to mention the presence of Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Luka Modrić, there will no longer be any excuses regarding the squad’s shortcomings to justify a poor result this Wednesday at San Mamés.
The coaching staff will need to put forward the best team and the best system to win against Athletic Bilbao, who are currently fourth in the standings with 26 points. If Real Madrid wants to win La Liga this season, they must be able to secure the big wins, which they have yet to do this season in the league.
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