If you think Spanish football is only about El Clásico, you’re missing the point of the whole league. Honestly, the real soul of the sport in Spain often hides in the matches between Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao. People call it El Viejo Clásico—the Old Classic. It’s a nickname that feels right because this fixture was the most played match in Spanish history for over a century before Barcelona and Madrid eventually overtook it.
But this isn't just about old record books or dusty trophies.
Whenever these two meet, it’s a clash of fundamental philosophies. On one side, you have the "Galacticos" model—Madrid’s global obsession with buying the biggest superstars on the planet, from Zidane to Kylian Mbappé. On the other, you have Athletic Club’s cantera policy. They only play players born or trained in the Basque Country. It’s a stubborn, beautiful, and slightly crazy approach in a world where money usually talks loudest.
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What really happened in the 2025/26 season?
The most recent chapters of this rivalry have been absolute chaos. If you watched the match at San Mamés in December 2025, you saw exactly why Athletic is the most annoying team for Madrid to face. Under Ernesto Valverde, they’ve perfected this high-pressing, suffocating style that makes even the most expensive midfielders look human.
Madrid arrived at that game with some serious baggage. Kylian Mbappé was dealing with a lingering knee issue, and the "Xabi Alonso era" was feeling the heat after a string of draws against teams they should have buried. Yet, somehow, Madrid walked away with a 3-0 win. Mbappé, even at 80% fitness, bagged a brace. It was one of those nights where individual quality simply steamrolled a well-drilled system.
But don't let that scoreline fool you.
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Athletic had their moments. Nico Williams was a constant nightmare for the Madrid fullbacks, and Unai Simón made saves that didn't even seem physically possible. The gap between these teams is often just a matter of finishing. Madrid has the killers; Athletic has the heart.
The tactical battle: Why Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao is so tight
When you look at the stats, Madrid leads the head-to-head with over 120 wins, but Athletic’s 79 victories prove they aren't anyone's punching bag. They’ve met in nine Copa del Rey finals. Athletic won six of them. That tells you everything you need to know about their "big game" temperament.
Xabi Alonso has been leaning into a 4-2-2-2 lately, trying to find space for Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Mbappé all at once. It’s a lot of egos and a lot of talent. When it works, it’s like watching a symphony. When it doesn't, they look disconnected.
Valverde usually counters this with a compact 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1. He knows he can't out-talent Madrid, so he tries to out-work them. He uses the atmosphere at the "new" San Mamés as a twelfth man. If you’ve never heard the roar of a Basque crowd when they win a corner against the capital, you haven't really heard football.
Key players that define the matchup
- Federico Valverde: He is basically the lungs of the Real Madrid team. In April 2025, he scored a 92nd-minute volley that broke Athletic hearts at the Bernabéu. He’s the guy who covers the ground when the superstars are too tired to track back.
- Nico Williams: Speed. Pure, unadulterated speed. He is the main reason Madrid’s defenders have to stay awake. If he gets a yard of space, he's gone.
- Jude Bellingham: Even when he isn't scoring, he dictates the tempo. His physical presence in the box is something Athletic’s center-backs, like Dani Vivian, struggle to handle over 90 minutes.
- Oihan Sancet: He is the creative engine for Bilbao. He’s got this weird, languid style that draws defenders in before he slips a pass through to Guruzeta.
The "El Viejo Clásico" legacy
A lot of people forget that Atlético Madrid actually exists because of Athletic Bilbao. In 1903, a group of Basque students in Madrid were so inspired by Bilbao’s win over Madrid FC that they decided to start a branch of the club in the capital. That’s why both teams wear red and white stripes.
There’s also a political undertone that hasn't totally vanished. For a long time, Madrid represented the central government, while Athletic was the symbol of Basque identity and resistance. Today, it’s less about politics and more about "The World" vs "The Locals."
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: What's coming next?
The next league meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu. It could be a title-decider for Madrid, or it could be the game that secures a Champions League spot for Athletic.
Madrid is currently dealing with a bit of a coaching transition. With Alvaro Arbeloa recently stepping into some management responsibilities and the heavy scrutiny on the tactical setup, the team is under immense pressure. They've already been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete in a shock upset, so they cannot afford to slip up in the league.
Athletic, meanwhile, looks remarkably stable. They know who they are. They know how they play.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the late goals: Madrid has a habit of scoring in "Bernabéu time" (the last 10 minutes). They’ve snatched results against Athletic in the dying seconds more times than I can count.
- Check the injury report for Mbappé: His knee has been a recurring issue. If he’s out, Madrid’s attacking threat drops by about 40%.
- Athletic at home is a different beast: If the game is at San Mamés, throw the form book out the window. They will press higher and harder than they do in Madrid.
- Focus on the wings: Both teams rely heavily on wide play. The battle between Vinícius Júnior and whoever Athletic puts at right-back usually decides the game.
Keep an eye on the official squad announcements 24 hours before kickoff. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, players are pushing themselves harder than usual, which means more fatigue and more tactical substitutions. This isn't just a game; it's a 120-year-old argument that still hasn't been settled.
To get the most out of the upcoming match, track the "expected goals" (xG) trends for both teams over their last three fixtures. Athletic tends to underperform their xG due to a lack of a world-class clinical finisher, while Madrid often overperforms theirs because of individual brilliance. If Athletic can close that efficiency gap, they are more than capable of an upset.