How will Atlético Madrid line up against Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga?

TL;DR

Atlético Madrid faces Athletic Club in LaLiga on Saturday night after a disappointing loss to Elche. The match is crucial for Atlético as they aim to secure a win before their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.

Key points

Atlético Madrid lost to Elche in their last match.
They are fourth in LaLiga, five points behind third-place Villarreal.
Jan Oblak will start as goalkeeper against Athletic Club.
Athletic Club's Mikel Jauregizar is suspended for the match.

Atlético MadridAthletic ClubLaLiga

ELCHE, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Andre Da Silva of Elche CF celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Elche CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on April 22, 2026 in Elche, Alicante, Spain. (Photo By Francisco Macia/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Coming off a midweek loss to Elche, Atlético Madrid return home to the Metropolitano to battle longtime rivals Athletic Club on Saturday night at 9 PM local time. In LaLiga, Atlético (17-6-9, 57 points) remain solidly in fourth place, but the *Rojiblancos* have not won a league match in their last four attempts. Their gap to third-place Villarreal grew to five points after the Yellow Submarine drew with Oviedo on Thursday; eight points separate them from Real Betis in fifth. Wednesday’s match against Elche was a disappointing one for the *Colchoneros*. Although there were positives — made his first appearance since March 10, scored a memorable brace and young players like and had good showings, a red card-and-penalty double-whammy to had Atleti down a man for an hour in the eventual 3-2 defeat. It’s no secret that Cholo Simeone has put LaLiga toward the bottom of his competitive priorities, but how hard will he go after Athletic Club on Saturday? A match marked by longstanding historical tension between the clubs, Atlético would love nothing more than a win entering Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against . It’s been a season of mediocrity for Athletic Club (12-5-15, 41 points). After *Los Leones* finished fourth in LaLiga last season, Ernesto Valverde’s squad had everything in front of them coming into this season. The club retained on a new 10-year contract and had returned to the Champions League for the first time in more than a decade. However, the *Zuri-Gorriak* fell short in three of the four competitions and appear to be on the outside looking in on LaLiga’s European places. Athletic Club finished 29th in the Champions League group stage, winning only two games. Athletic lost 5-0 to in the Spanish Super Cup and flamed out in the Copa del Rey semifinal against . Athletic will need a strong end of the season just to make the UEFA Conference League. Athletic won Tuesday against , though the 1-0 win came at a cost. Key midfielder picked up a red card in the dying moments of the match following a brutal challenge on former Atleti left-back Javi Galán. Valverde will be unable to rely on Beñat , who is out for the season, and is a doubt after he picked up a hamstring injury against Osasuna. This will be Valverde’s final meeting with Simeone, as will depart the club at the end of the season. Former manager Edin Terzić from the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

Q&A

What time does Atlético Madrid play against Athletic Club?

Atlético Madrid will play against Athletic Club at 9 PM local time on Saturday.

What is Atlético Madrid's current position in LaLiga?

Atlético Madrid is currently in fourth place in LaLiga with 57 points.

Who is starting as goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid in the upcoming match?

Jan Oblak has been confirmed to start as goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid against Athletic Club.

What are the injury concerns for Athletic Club ahead of the match?

Athletic Club's Mikel Jauregizar is suspended due to a red card, and Aymeric Laporte is a doubt with a hamstring injury.