The Copa del Rey semi-final second leg of Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid promises high drama at San Mamés today. Bilbao hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, thanks to Alex Berenguer's penalty, and aim to secure their place in the final.
Bilbao's recent form has been mixed. Despite suffering a 3-1 loss to Real Betis last weekend, they boast a formidable home record, winning their last nine games at San Mamés across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in December. This dominance presents a significant challenge for the visitors.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have faced a dip in form, managing only one win in their last six games. Their recent 2-2 draw with Almeria adds to their struggles. While Angel Correa and Rodrigo De Paul found the net, the team's overall performance lacked consistency.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams is tightly contested. In their 196 meetings, Atletico hold a slight edge with 90 wins compared to Bilbao's 73. However, in the Copa del Rey, Bilbao reign supreme, winning eight out of 17 encounters, including two finals.
The head-to-head record this season also favors Bilbao, with victories in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey first leg. Furthermore, Bilbao boasts an impressive unbeaten run at home since the season opener, further bolstering their confidence.
While Bilbao's Yuri Berchiche is out with a hamstring injury, Atletico face a bigger challenge with key players unavailable. Top scorer Antoine Griezmann and defender Jose Maria Gimenez are sidelined due to injuries, while Marcos Llorente remains a doubt.
Considering the home advantage, Bilbao's recent form, and Atletico's missing players, a low-scoring draw seems like a possible outcome in this highly anticipated Athletic Bilbao vs Atletico Madrid clash. However, both teams are capable of turning the tide, and the fight for a place in the Copa del Rey final is far from over.
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