Athletic Bilbao – Atlético Madrid

Recent form · Written before the match

Athletic lost 1-3 to Sevilla at home on 22 August, 0-2 to Barcelona away on 27 August, then won 2-0 away against Celta on 30 August. Atlético beat Málaga 2-0 at home on 19 August, drew 2-2 with Villarreal at home on 23 August, then won 3-1 at Sevilla on 29 August.

Atlético is therefore unbeaten in these three matches, while Athletic comes off two defeats followed by a victory. Documented rest: six days for Athletic and seven for Atlético.

No comparable xG, shots, or pressing sequence is available.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

The pages consulted do not provide a recent Athletic-Atlético head-to-head with a sufficiently visible date and score. This does not make it possible to conclude that no history exists; old or unverified meetings are not used.

The prédictive valeur of the h2h is therefore information unavailable, especially since the current squads and coaches are not documented by these elements.

Absences and returns

Athletic: Beñat Prados returns to the squad after muscle pain; Daniel Vivian and Canales remain unavailable; Álvaro Djaló and Nico Serrano are not called up. These details were published on 5 September 2026, with an update at 10:46 CEST.

Atlético: José María Giménez and Thomas Lemar were absent from training on 1 September, but their exact status for the match remains insufficiently established. Robin Le Normand is confirmed to be back after suspension.

The final status of Giménez, Lemar and any latest medical decisions is information not available.

Context & news

Athletic’s favorable scenario relies on intense pressure at San Mamés, already illustrated by a high-intensity first half in Vigo, followed by the ability to manage a lead; Prados’s return could support midfield stability. Atlético’s favorable scenario relies on long build-ups worked on by Simeone to draw the opposing center-back toward the flank and bypass the press, followed by the mobility of his attacking options, including Jonathan David and Julián Álvarez.

Atlético have seven points after three matches and Athletic three, based on an arithmetic deduction from the official results; the displayed standings are contradictory. Atlético’s next match against Liverpool on 9 September is a scheduling factor to monitor, without allowing one to presume rotation.