It is arguable that the football match of the day will be happening somewhere called Bilbao in Spain as league leaders Real Madrid take on the team with the best defence in La Liga.
Real Madrid Team News
Last weekend, the whites unsurprisingly dropped points for the first time since October 27th against relegation threatened Cadiz FC. It is not a surprise because there seem to be some sort of disorganization in the team on and off the field, which is largely due to the sudden upsurge in Corona virus cases recorded in the squad.
First team stars and starters Asensio, Rodrygo and Modric were first reported to have tested positive for the virus and although Modric returned a negative test later, the Croatian was reported unfit to make the squad list. Real Madrid lacked the normal cohesion and experience they have played with for the past 10 matches and although they threw their all at Cadiz, the breakthrough which magically pops up was seemingly absent without the absentees.
Alaba is the latest to go down with coronavirus and Ancelotti has more selection headache. Real Madrid will be missing Asensio, Modric, Rodrygo, Alaba (coronavirus) Casemiro (suspension), Carvajal (injury), all starters in their just ended winning streak and although they have the squad to still take on Athletic Bilbao, it is tough to see them having a walk in the park in that encounter.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
The Basque team are not without their own selection headache with Yuri Berchiche and Villalibre out with injuries, while Dani Vivian, Yeray Alvarez and Nolaskoain are doubtful.
Inigo Martinez, Unai Simon, Alex Berenguer and Jokin Ezkieta are all currently battling with coronavirus but they still have the squad to trouble Real Madrid and come into the match all determined and confident after beating 3rd placed Real Betis 3-2 last weekend.
Conclusion
This is going to be a thrilling and entertaining encounter with both sides looking to give themselves some proper farewell to 2021 football. As a Real Madrid fan, I hope to see the Whites triumph.
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