{"id":31376,"date":"2026-05-22T16:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=31376"},"modified":"2026-05-22T16:28:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:28:15","slug":"new-beginnings-real-madrid-faces-athletic-bilbao-as-mourinhos-shadow-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/new-beginnings-real-madrid-faces-athletic-bilbao-as-mourinhos-shadow-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"New Beginnings: Real Madrid Faces Athletic Bilbao as Mourinho’s Shadow Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With no chance of winning silverware and having secured second place in the league, Real Madrid will aim to finish their La Liga season with a win against Athletic Club at Santiago Bernab\u00e9u on Saturday, May 23, 2026, as announced on the club’s official x handle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This match carries additional sentiment, likely marking the end of \u00c1lvaro Arbeloa’s tenure after a challenging season for the team. Despite some commendable performances, Madrid could not clinch any trophies and conceded the title to FC Barcelona, who secured the championship earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Madrid heads into this match coming off a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla and remains among the top home teams in the league. Their performance at the Bernab\u00e9u has been a bright spot, amassing 46 points over 18 home matches despite an overall disappointing season.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, there are reports suggesting Jos\u00e9 Mourinho is poised to make a return to the Bernab\u00e9u and could be officially announced next week. If this happens, it would represent a significant managerial return and initiate another major overhaul at the club.<\/p>\n

\"Real
Real Madrid players (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the other side, Athletic Club is also experiencing a disappointing season. After finishing fourth last year and participating in European competitions, the Basque club has faced a steep decline and will not take part in continental football next season.<\/p>\n

This match may also signify the last for Ernesto Valverde, with Edin Terzi\u0107 already named as his replacement for the upcoming summer.<\/p>\n

Although the standings will not be affected by the result, this encounter holds significance for both clubs \u2013 one bidding farewell to a coach and preparing for a new chapter, while the other aims to close the book on a season that fell short of expectations.<\/p>\n

Team news<\/h2>\n

Vinicius Junior is unlikely to feature for Real Madrid on Saturday, as he is set to join the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n

Rodrygo (knee), Arda Guler (hamstring), Eder Militao (hamstring), and Ferland Mendy (thigh) will also miss the game, but club captain Federico Valverde has been cleared to play after recovering from a head injury sustained in a recent incident with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.<\/p>\n

Expect to see Valverde and Tchouameni in central midfield, while Franco Mastantuono could take Vinicius\u2019 place in the attacking lineup alongside Brahim Diaz and Kylian Mbappe.<\/p>\n

\"athletic
athletic club. (photo credit: athletic club media)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Athletic, Nico Williams (hamstring), Oihan Sancet (muscle), and Yuri Berchiche (suspension) will definitely miss the clash with Real Madrid. In addition, Unai Eguiluz (knee), Unai Gomez (muscle), Dani Vivian (ankle), and Benat Prados (knee) will require assessments to determine their availability.<\/p>\n

Inaki Williams and Alex Berenguer are expected to feature on the wings again, but there may be a change up front, with Robert Navarro potentially stepping in.<\/p>\n

Possible Lineups<\/h2>\n

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, F Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Brahim, Mbappe, Mastantuono<\/p>\n

Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Simon; Gorosabel, Alvarez, Laporte, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Navarro, Berenguer; Guruzeta<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/h2>\n

The match will be broadcast live globally. In Spain, fans can tune in on DAZN LaLiga.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Channel<\/th>\nKickoff Time<\/th>\nDate<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
DAZN LaLiga<\/td>\n20:00<\/td>\nMay 23, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SuperSport LaLiga<\/td>\n20:00<\/td>\nMay 23, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ESPN+ or beIN<\/td>\n14:00<\/td>\nMay 23, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Predictions<\/h2>\n

Softfootball predicts Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao<\/p>\n

Real Madrid is looking to provide their fans with a positive outcome on the last matchday of the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n