Real Madrid will bring the curtain down on a disappointing La Liga campaign when they host Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night.
Los Blancos have already confirmed a second-place finish behind champions Barcelona, while Athletic will end the season outside the European places after a frustrating campaign of their own.
It will also mark the final game in charge for both managers, with Alvaro Arbeloa set to depart Real Madrid and Ernesto Valverde preparing to leave Athletic this summer.
Speaking in his press conference, Arbeloa said: “I hope it’s just a ‘see you later.’ I’ve always considered Real Madrid my home. I’ve been with Real Madrid for 20 years; it’s my home. This is my last match this season, and I don’t know if it will be the last of my career as Real Madrid manager – we never really know. I’ll try to enjoy it. And I’m focused on winning.
“I’m very grateful to them for what we’ve been through. I’m aware that at 25, you can’t have the same relationship. We’ve had differences, that’s normal. We’ve resolved them in the best way possible. We’ve shown each other respect, and the opportunity came when it came. For me, what’s always important is how you deal with it, with what happens to you. And I’ve dealt with it in the best way possible, thinking about Real Madrid.”
“I’ve thought more about Real Madrid than myself these past few months, but I’ve done what’s best for the club. I wasn’t the same I was all these years in the academy. At another club, it would have been different, but it was what I had to do. There’s no room for regrets.”
Jose Mourinho is expected to return as manager following Arbeloa’s departure, with major changes anticipated after a campaign that failed to deliver silverware.
Team news for Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Real Madrid are expected to be without Vinicius Junior, who is set to join up with Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup preparations.
Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy also remain unavailable through injury.
Federico Valverde has recovered from the head injury suffered in training and is expected to feature in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni.
Teenage prospect Franco Mastantuono could be handed another opportunity in attack alongside Brahim Diaz and Kylian Mbappe.
Athletic will be without Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Yuri Berchiche, while doubts remain over Unai Gomez, Dani Vivian, Benat Prados and Unai Eguiluz.
Inaki Williams and Alex Berenguer are expected to continue in wide positions, while Robert Navarro could come into the front line.
Expected line-ups for Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Brahim, Mbappe, Mastantuono
Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Gorosabel, Alvarez, Laporte, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Navarro, Berenguer; Guruzeta
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: TV channel, live stream
The match will be available to watch live on Premier Sports and via LaLigaTV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Saturday.
The stats for Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
- Real Madrid have won 125 matches against Athletic Bilbao throughout history
- Los Blancos are unbeaten against Athletic at the Bernabeu in La Liga since January 2021
- Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier this season
- Athletic have taken just one point from their last three league games
- Only Barcelona have a better home record in La Liga than Real Madrid this season
Prediction for Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Real Madrid have endured a frustrating season overall, but their strong home form should give them the edge against an Athletic side with little left to play for.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
