Our prediction for this Copa del Rey match:
Athletic Bilbao
Match Time & Date:
29/02/2024
12:30 PM
Prediction: 1-1
Atletico Madrid
Expect an electrifying atmosphere at San Mames when Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid go head to head in the Copa del Rey semis, return leg. The Basques won the first leg thanks to Alex Berenguer’s goal and they are now on a quest to defend their slim lead in front of home fans. Nico Williams is available for selection despite his sending-off in a 3-1 loss to Real Betis at the weekend, while all Yeray Alvarez, Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Lekue, and Ander Herrera are out of contention with injuries.
Los Rojiblancos, on the other hand, need to adopt an attack-minded approach in Thursday’s encounter if they are to advance to the Spanish Cup semis and given their attacking potential, both teams to score betting option should be considered. All Antoine Griezmann, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thomas Lemar are injured for the visiting side, while Jose Gimenez is a major doubt.
Highlighted Player (Iker Muniain):
Iker Muniain was once considered one of the most talented players in Spain, but he obviously failed to reach his full potential. Munian is an attacking midfielder, who is capable of playing as a forward as well and he began his youth career at Chantrea. In 2005 he made probably the best decision of his career as he joined Athletic Bilbao youth academy.
He made his debut for Athletic Bilbao on 30 July, 2009 in a 1-0 loss to Young Boys in the Europa League. Iker Munian impressed in the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign with the Lions, scoring nine goals in all competitions, but he failed to make a bigger progress. The Athletic Bilbao product has been struggling with injuries and it has to be noted that the injury he suffered against Sevilla on 4 April, 2015 could have ruined his career.
However, he returned to action on 20 December, but he was playing below expectations in the second half of the season. Iker Munian made his Spain debut on 29 February, 2012 in a friendly against Venezuela. La Roja won the match 5-0 and Munian came as a substitute in the 74th minute of the match.
Highlighted Team (Atletico Madrid):
Atletico Madrid are a Spanish team that plays in Primera Division (La Liga). Los Rojiblancos or los Colchoneros play their home matches at Estadio Vicente Calderon, which holds up to 54,960 spectators. Atletico Madrid have won 10 La Liga titles, but they have yet to lift the European Cup (Champions League) trophy.
Los Rojiblancos have won 10 Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) trophies and it has to be noted that they defeated their bitter local rivals Real Madrid in the 2012/2013 Spanish Cup final. The rivalry between the two capital clubs is pretty big and El Madrileno is regarded as one of the most exciting derbies in the world football.
Atletico Madrid played two Champions League finals under Diego Simeone, but they failed to beat Real Madrid in the title games (2013/2014 and 2015/2016). However, the Argentine tactician helped Atletico Madrid win the La Liga trophy in 2014 and, no doubt, he is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the capital club.
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