Your Web 3 Guru and Moonbet presenting todays match: Athletic Club de Bilbao – Atlético Madrid
Athletic Bilbao are edging closer to their first Copa del Rey final since 2020/21 after securing a 1-0 victory against Atlético Madrid in the opening leg of this semi-final. This victory marks their first head-to-head win in this competition since the final in 1956, ending a streak of one draw and six losses. However, their recent 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday was far from ideal preparation for this crucial fixture, as it missed an opportunity to narrow the three-point gap between the two sides.
Entering their fifth consecutive Copa del Rey semi-final, with two wins and two losses in previous outings, Athletic Bilbao should feel confident hosting the second leg. They boast an impressive unbeaten record of 14 competitive matches at Estadio San Mamés, including 12 wins and 2 draws. Moreover, they secured a 2-0 La Liga victory over Atlético in mid-December and have lost just one of their last six home encounters against them, winning four and drawing one. Therefore, the Copa del Rey specialists find themselves on familiar ground in more ways than one.
Athletico Madrid
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid won this competition more recently than Athletic, but this is their first semi-final appearance since 2016/17. Following an underwhelming 2-2 league draw with struggling Almería, and trailing leaders Real Madrid by 13 points in La Liga, this cup competition may present their best opportunity for silverware this season. However, they face challenges, especially without José María Giménez and Antoine Griezmann, who were absent in the match against Almería.
Hot Stats
Others will need to step up for Atlético, especially considering their track record of losing only one of their last six Copa del Rey away fixtures, with five wins. Players to watch include Álex Berenguer for Athletic, who has been instrumental in opening the scoring in two of their last four matches, both resulting in victories. For Atlético, Ángel Correa has been in form, scoring three times across their last three fixtures, particularly between half-time and the 65th minute.
In terms of recent head-to-head encounters, the team scoring first has won each of the last five matches, with Athletic winning three and Atlético winning two, all with clean sheets.
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