Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid tips and predictions: Hosts to extend San Mames run to 10 wins

Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid clash in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg on Thursday night.

The two teams have faced each other 196 times in their history. The team from Madrid has the better of the head-to-head with 90 wins, while the Basque team has 73 and there has also been 33 draws.

The last game between the two teams took place in the first leg three weeks ago when Bilbao managed a 1-0 win at the Metropolitano courtesy of Alex Berenguer’s goal.

The Basques, buoyed by that impressive 1-0 victory and their stellar home form this season, are clear favourites to get the job done on Thursday.

On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s team need to improve after winning only one of their last six matches. 

Atleti could only draw against bottom side Almeria last time out, despite goals from Angel Correa and Rodrigo de Paul giving them the lead twice.

Simeone’s side were beaten by Inter Milan in the Champions League and even look at risk of dropping out of the top four.

Their poor domestic form has coincided with a couple of setbacks for their city rivals which they’ve failed to capitalise upon.

 

Key stats

- Athletic Bilbao have won nine straight matches at home
- Athletic Bilbao have won their last two home games against Atletico
- Atletico Madrid have won just one of their last six matches
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in the last five meetings

 

Suggested bets

Athletic Bilbao to win

Under 2.5 goals

• Sergiu Baltuta provides tips as SVB Tips on Tipstrr