Real Madrid look to continue their winning start to the new campaign under new boss Julen Lopetegui when they travel to face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.
Despite the loss of star talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer, Real have made easy work of their opening three La Liga fixtures scoring 10 goals and conceding only twice with Bale and Benzema particularly impressing in the Portuguese’s absence.
On his team’s performance so far the Spaniard said: “We’re getting to know each other better as time goes by and we’re able to instil this collective attitude of attacking and defending as a team.
“The players are understanding what we ask of them very well and they have the ability to improve further.”
Their opponents Athletic Bilbao had a frustrating matchweek last time out after their game against Rayo Vallecano was postponed after Rayo’s stadium was deemed unsafe by the Spanish league with fears over its infrastructure which is currently under renovation.
Their form prior to this had been promising having won one and draw one in their opening two games under new manager Berizzio and, with Athletic unbeaten against Real in their last two fixtures, the Argentine will be looking for a big performance against the current Champions League holders.
What time does it start?
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid kicks off at 7.45pm BST
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Eleven Sports 1 from 7.45pm.
It’s a big game for…
Inaki Williams: The Athletic Bilbao starlet has come under the spotlight recently after receiving a public warning from head coach Berizzo about his conduct off the pitch after a video was leaked of him arguing with his partner.
Berizzo said: "I wouldn't want to be disrespectful, but when players' private lives become my problem as a coach it becomes an issue as the image of the club can be affected."
Williams could have no better response than this than putting in a good performance against an in-form Real side for whom he scored against the last time they met at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Best stat…
2.5: Real Madrid have scored over 2.5 goals in 5 out of their last 10 games played suggesting that goals could be on the cards.
Remember when…
Ramos is, for once, on the end of an unruly red card.
Despite being one of the best centre backs in world football, Sergio Ramos has a short temperament having been sent off 24 times in his career. On this occasion at the San Mamés, Ramos is sent off for a second booking which is deemed harsh by the media given that striker Adruiz seems to make the most of the contact.
Player to watch…
Marco Asensio: Already highly regarded among the Real Madrid hierarchy, Marco Asensio is the next big thing at Real Madrid. Off the back off a stunning performance against Croatia for Spain that saw him rack up two goals and three assists in a 6-0 thumping of the World Cup finalists, the Madrid born forward is now a main stake in Real’s front line after the departure of talisman Ronaldo. With the backing of his manger and the Los Blancos faithful, the young prodigy now has the opportunity to make his name as one of the best young players in the world.
Past three-meetings…
Real Madrid 1 (Cristiano Ronaldo) Athletic Bilbao 1 (Inaki Williams), La Liga Santander, April 2018
Athletic Bilbao 0 Real Madrid 0, La Liga Santander, December 2017
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Adruiz) Real Madrid 2 (Benzema, Casemiro), La Liga Santander, March 2017
La Liga form guide…
Athletic Bilbao: WD
Real Madrid: WWW
Odds…
Athletic Bilbao to win: 19/5
Real Madrid to win: 3/5
Draw: 33/10
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
