Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao promises a captivating clash in the first leg of the 2023-24 Copa del Rey semi-final. Both teams are primed for a fierce battle at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, each fueled by their own thirst for glory.
Riding a wave of momentum, Atletico Madrid enters the match undefeated in their last six encounters. They stunned their city rivals Real Madrid with a 4-2 victory in the previous round, followed by a dramatic late equalizer against them in LaLiga last weekend. With both Real Madrid and Barcelona out of the competition, Diego Simeone's men see a clear path to their first Copa del Rey title since 2013, and their confidence is soaring.
However, underestimating Athletic Bilbao would be a grave mistake. The Basque side has been showcasing their offensive prowess, evident in their stunning 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the quarter-final. Their recent 4-0 LaLiga win over Mallorca further cements their attacking potential. Having reached five Copa del Rey finals in the last 15 years, they're determined to add another chapter to their illustrious history in the tournament.
Historically, the Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao battle has been a close affair. While Atletico holds the upper hand with 90 wins compared to Athletic Bilbao's 72, the Basques have secured four victories in their last seven encounters, including a 2-0 LaLiga triumph earlier this season. Interestingly, the last four meetings witnessed clean sheets for the winning side, hinting at another potential defensive battle.
Athletic Bilbao's offensive form presents a significant challenge, but Atletico Madrid's home advantage and current momentum cannot be overlooked. This Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao match promises to be a fiery encounter, with both teams capable of clinching the first leg advantage. While it's likely to be a close affair, Atletico Madrid might just have the edge playing on home soil.
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img via : REUTERS