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The 11 time winners and holders Real Madrid begin their defense of the Spanish Supercup against one of the crucial two teams because of contest the much-delayed Copa Del Rey last as Athletic Bilbao face them in Malaga.
Bilbao might have missing 3-1 on the final occasion these two clubs met but they gave an impressive account when down to 10 men at the Santiago Bernabeu, holding on to some degree until Karim Benzema broke their resistance in the 74th minute. Here is how you’ll watch the match and what you wish to have to realize.
Viewing informationDate: Thursday, Jan. 14Time: 3 p.m. ETLocation: La Rosaleda Stadium — Malaga, SpainTV: ESPN DeportesLive stream: Fubo TV (try for free)Odds: Real Madrid -150; Draw +270; Athletic Bilbao +450 (via William Hill Sportsbook)Storylines
Real Madrid: On his full return to the starting line-up following eighth injury absence of his one-and-a-half season stint with Real Madrid Eden Endanger once more left supporters and pundits far from impressed as he and his team-mates laboured to a 0-0 draw in Osasuna. The clock is ticking for the 30-year-old to receive back to something approaching the quality he showed in a Chelsea shirt and a revival of sorts in the Spanish Super Cup might no less than give the Belgian momentum heading into the second one half of his second season.
Against Osasuna he did not create a unmarried chance nor take a shot at goal and used to be described as “bloodless and nameless” by leading Spanish sports newspaper Marca. Those assessments will grow the entire more cutting whether he’s unable to get well his form soon.
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Athletic Bilbao: Chasing their first win under Marcelino, the watchword for Bilbao’s season so far has been inconsistency. For a side that sacked their manager to have only once missing a couple of La Liga game in a row seems significant but equally there have only been two occasions in domestic league matches where they have got gone two straight fixtures without defeat.
There were signs of progress in a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona where Inaki Williams scored early and Iker Muniain late, after which their new manager pronounced himself impressed with the quality of talent at his disposal. “I have found a better squad than what I expected,” Marcelino said. “They have got an huge appetite and are very receptive to the work. It’s an atypical group.
“I have to give them my thanks. We’re working to make the team more competitive, but we shouldn’t have numerous time to work on concepts at the moment.”
Prediction
Unbeaten since December 1 there is real momentum in the back of Madrid’s season and that are supposed to be enough to take them past Athletic. PICK: Real Madrid (-150)