Real Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this Saturday evening, aiming for a strong home performance in La Liga. Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sevilla, the squad is buoyed and ready for this matchup.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa plans to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a tactical adjustment by bringing Federico Valverde into the starting lineup, replacing Thiago Pitarch Pinar, who will take a place on the bench.
Advertisement
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Lineup for Real Madrid Against Athletic Bilbao
Defense
In goal, Thibaut Courtois will be between the posts, following a solid clean sheet performance in his last match. Defensively, Dean Huijsen will partner Antonio Rudiger in the center of the backline, aiming for a strong defensive display.
Dani Carvajal will look to shine as the right-back, while Fran Garcia will take up the left-back position. Both full-backs are expected to join the attack and create opportunities in the Bilbao half.
David Alaba will provide additional support from the bench.
Advertisement
SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 17: Vinicius Junior reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 17, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Midfield
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will serve as the holding midfielders, tasked with winning key duels in the middle of the pitch.
Just ahead of them, the skillful trio of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz will aim to combine effectively and create scoring opportunities in the attacking third, as their synergy will be crucial for a successful evening against Bilbao.
Advertisement
Eduardo Camavinga and Franco Mastantuono will be available from the bench and may play a role if needed during the second half.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe will lead the line for Arbeloa’s team, and he will be pivotal in generating danger in front of the Bilbao goal.
Gonzalo Garcia will also be on the bench, poised to make a significant impact if called upon in the last stages of the match.