Three successive draws have seen Real Madrid stumble in La Liga’s title race and victory is crucial on Wednesday evening when they visit Athletic Club.
Pressure has been heaped on Xabi Alonso’s shoulders after Madrid’s recent slump, with just one victory from their last five outings in all competitions. League stalemates with Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Girona have raised concerns and allowed Barcelona to leapfrog Los Blancos at the summit of the division.
With Villarreal and Atlético Madrid also hot on their tail, the record European champions desperately need to end their winless domestic run in Bilbao against an Athletic Club side struggling to rediscover last season’s form. The Basque outfit are currently eighth in La Liga and have won just one of five Champions League matches this term.
Despite their inconsistencies, Athletic will be no pushovers. They won this fixture 2–1 last season and the vociferous Estadio San Mamés crowd will ensure standards don’t drop. Madrid, who are playing their sixth successive away game, will have to rise to the challenge.
Here is guide to the clash.
