The rivalry between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao has stood the test of time in Spanish football. As two historic La Liga teams, their matchups are always intense, rich in tradition, and filled with unpredictable moments. For fans and analysts alike, knowing the Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats is crucial in understanding how these teams perform against each other. Whether it’s goals, possession, shots on target, or player performance, these statistics tell the full story of their battles on the pitch.
Both clubs have unique strengths—Real Madrid with their star-studded lineup and attacking dominance, and Athletic Bilbao with their homegrown talent and physical style of play. Their head-to-head games often shape the La Liga table, influence betting predictions, and spark debate among fans.
If you’re interested in football data, team analysis, or even just bragging rights during discussions, this guide will give you everything you need to know about the Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats—from recent results to historical trends and player contributions.
Key Points:
- Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have met over 180 times in La Liga.
- Real Madrid has a strong home record in these matchups.
- Bilbao is known for causing upsets in tight fixtures.
How Have Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao Performed Historically?
Over the years, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have built one of La Liga’s most compelling rivalries. Historically, Real Madrid has dominated the fixture, but not without tough resistance from Athletic Bilbao, especially at San Mamés.
Real Madrid has won the majority of their head-to-head encounters, often showcasing their attacking brilliance. Their goal tally against Bilbao is one of the highest they hold against any opponent. On the other hand, Bilbao has always been a tough side, known for their defensive resilience and ability to spring surprises.
Historical Head-to-Head Table
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 180+ | 180+ |
| Wins | 95+ | 50+ |
| Draws | Around 30 | Around 30 |
| Goals Scored | 350+ | 220+ |
Reminder: These numbers are approximate and may vary slightly depending on official La Liga records.
Bilbao’s wins often come at home, where their intense pressing and passionate fans give them a real edge. Matches at Santiago Bernabéu usually see Real Madrid take control, though not without effort.
Note: Despite their win gap, matches between these two are rarely predictable.
What Are The Recent Stats Between These Two Teams?
Looking at the recent Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats, we find patterns that reflect current form, coaching styles, and tactical adjustments. In the last five seasons, Real Madrid has generally had the upper hand, but Bilbao continues to remain competitive.
Last 5 Match Results Table
| Season | Match Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 2-0 Bilbao |
| 2022/23 | San Mamés | Bilbao 0-2 Real Madrid |
| 2022/23 | Copa del Rey | Bilbao 1-0 Real Madrid |
| 2021/22 | Santiago Bernabéu | Real Madrid 1-0 Bilbao |
| 2020/21 | San Mamés | Draw 1-1 |
As the table shows, Real Madrid has maintained the edge, especially in league play. Bilbao’s win in the Copa del Rey, however, shows they can still compete at high levels when stakes are different.
These stats suggest that while Real Madrid tends to control possession and chances, Bilbao often counters with efficiency and physical strength.
Which Players Have Had The Biggest Impact?
Player performance is a huge part of match statistics. Real Madrid’s top performers in this fixture include Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, and Vinícius Jr., while Athletic Bilbao has relied on stars like Iñaki Williams, Iker Muniain, and Unai Simón.
Player Impact Comparison
| Player | Goals (vs Bilbao) | Assists | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karim Benzema | 10+ | 4+ | 15+ |
| Iñaki Williams | 3+ | 2+ | 12+ |
| Luka Modrić | 2+ | 5+ | 14+ |
| Iker Muniain | 1+ | 3+ | 13+ |
Real Madrid’s midfield duo of Modrić and Kroos often control the tempo, while their attackers capitalize on spaces. Bilbao, on the other hand, relies on quick transitions and long balls to catch Madrid off guard.
Note: Lineups and injuries can drastically shift individual stats in each matchup.
What Tactical Patterns Can We See in the Stats?
Tactically, the Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats show clear differences in style. Real Madrid usually dominates possession—often around 60%—while Bilbao prefers to play a counter-attacking game with strong midfield pressing.
Real Madrid’s pass accuracy and shot attempts tend to be higher, while Bilbao matches up in terms of tackles and duels won. These tactical differences make their encounters dynamic.
Tactical Comparison Chart
| Tactical Metric | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 60-65% | 35-40% |
| Shots Per Match | 15-18 | 9-11 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 87-90% | 75-78% |
| Tackles Per Match | 12-14 | 15-18 |
These tactical tendencies affect how each team sets up—Madrid often uses a 4-3-3 with wide forwards, while Bilbao alternates between 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 depending on their opponent.
How Do These Stats Influence Fan Expectations and Predictions?
When fans study the Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats, they do so not just out of curiosity but to shape expectations. Fantasy football players use these numbers to pick their captains. Bettors analyze team trends. Coaches and pundits refer to stats in post-match reviews.
Stats play a powerful role in setting narratives—whether Real Madrid is on a win streak or Bilbao is overdue for a big upset. Social media buzz and expert previews often reflect how numbers guide public opinion.
Stats like expected goals (xG), shot conversion rate, and save percentage often trend before and after each clash. For example, if Real Madrid has a high xG in recent games but low goal returns, fans may anticipate a breakthrough performance.
Conclusion
The Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats offer more than just numbers—they give insights into form, tactics, player impact, and club legacies. Whether you’re a fan watching for fun, a fantasy football manager, or a bettor looking for an edge, stats provide the roadmap.
From historical head-to-heads and recent performances to tactical analysis and star player influence, each stat tells part of the larger story. Bilbao may be the underdog, but as past games have shown, nothing is ever guaranteed in football.
Stay tuned, analyze the data, and enjoy the thrill of this iconic La Liga fixture.
FAQ’s
1. How many times have Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao played each other?
They have faced off over 180 times in La Liga history.
2. Who has scored the most goals in this fixture?
Real Madrid has scored the most goals overall, with Karim Benzema being a top scorer in recent years.
3. What is the usual formation for Real Madrid in these matchups?
Real Madrid often uses a 4-3-3 attacking formation.
4. How does Athletic Bilbao usually respond tactically?
Bilbao typically plays a compact and physical style, often using a 4-4-2.
5. Where can I find the full Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao stats before the game?
Stats can be found on La Liga’s official site, ESPN, and football data platforms like SofaScore or WhoScored.
Would you like me to export this as a text or Word document for publishing?
