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When Real Madrid travels to San Mames on Saturday night to face Athletic Bilbao, they will be attempting to have the best possible start to their 2023–24 La Liga season.
In the race for European qualifying, Los Blancos placed second in the table last season, 10 points behind champions Barcelona, while Athletic were eighth, 2 points behind Osasuna in seventh position.
Athletic has already ranked eighth in La Liga three times in the previous five seasons; they were two points behind Osasuna in seventh place last season but nine points behind Real Betis in sixth, and they still have a lot of work to do if they want to qualify for the 2024–25 European Championship.
Although it is extremely challenging for the club to add players during each transfer window due to its policy of only allowing Basques to play, they have managed to do it this summer with the additions of Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta from Mallorca and Javier Marton from Real Sociedad B.
They lost Inigo Martinez, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer, but were ]
able to retain brothers Nico and Inaki Williams, who will likely once again be crucial to the team's hopes of success in the 2023–24 season.
**Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid - Clash of Titans at San Mamés**
Two football giants, Athletic Club and Real Madrid, are set to collide in an exhilarating match at San Mamés, promising fans an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and determination. As both teams step onto the hallowed turf, anticipation runs high, with the historic rivalry between these two clubs adding an extra layer of intensity to this encounter.
Athletic Club, known for their unwavering team spirit and strong Basque identity, will be aiming to secure a crucial victory on their home ground. Led by their charismatic manager, they've exhibited a robust defensive lineup and a dynamic midfield presence that can quickly transition into swift counterattacks. With a passionate fan base known for creating an electrifying atmosphere, San Mamés becomes a fortress where Athletic Club traditionally thrives. Key players like the tenacious central midfielder and the agile forward have the potential to turn the tide in their favor.
On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid enters this match with their trademark flair and a legacy of success. A squad filled with individual brilliance and tactical prowess, they're always a formidable force to reckon with. The midfield maestros' ability to control the tempo and creating portunities, combined with the clinical finishing of their star striker, makes Real Madrid an unpredictable and potent force in front of the goal. Under their experienced coach, they have been known to exploit opponents' weaknesses and adapt their strategy as the game unfolds.
The historical rivalry between these two clubs adds an extra layer of excitement to this clash. Decades of battles, both on the national and international stage, have cemented their status as footballing giants. The memories of thrilling encounters and iconic goals still resonate with fans, igniting passions whenever they meet. This fixture transcends the ordinary and ventures into the realm of spectacle and emotion, as players step onto the pitch not just to win, but to etch their names into the annals of this storied rivalry.
As the sun sets and the floodlights illuminate the field, all eyes will be on San Mamés, where Athletic Club and Real Madrid are set to engage in a titanic struggle. Both teams are fueled by the desire for victory, the pride of their respective histories, and the fervor of their supporters. The stage is set for a match that promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, an exhibition of skill, and a testament to the enduring magic of football.
Athletic comes into this game following a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in a friendly last weekend in Dublin, capping up their preseason activities.
Although it is incredibly concerning that Ernesto Valverde's team hasn't truly defeated Real Madrid in La Liga since March 2015, they did manage to keep Los Blancos to a 1-1 stalemate the last time the two teams met on the penultimate matchday of the previous campaign.
It's still possible that Kylian Mbappe will leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Real Madrid before the summer transfer window closes. If so, it would be a game-changing acquisition for the Spanish club.
Currently, four new players have joined the team during the current transfer window. Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, and Fran Garcia have signed permanent contracts, while Joselu has joined on loan from Espanyol for the upcoming season. Brahim Diaz has also returned to the team after spending time on loan at AC Milan.
However, Real Madrid did manage to win the Copa del Rey last season. It will be interesting to see how the team does this season without Karim Benzema, who unexpectedly concluded his time with the club to move to Saudi Arabia.
