The rivalry between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao is steeped in history and tradition, making it one of the cornerstones of Spanish football. As two of the founding members of La Liga, their encounters have consistently delivered thrilling action, fueled by contrasting philosophies and deep cultural pride.
On one side, Real Madrid represents the epitome of global football dominance, boasting a glittering array of domestic and international titles.
On the other side, Athletic Bilbao embodies a unique footballing identity with its cantera policy, focusing exclusively on nurturing Basque talent. Despite these differences, both clubs have contributed significantly to the richness of Spanish football through their fierce yet respectful rivalry.
This blog explores the iconic matches, standout moments, and the broader legacy of this historic clash.
A Brief History of Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
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The rivalry dates back to the inception of La Liga in 1929, with both clubs being central to the league’s foundation. While Athletic Bilbao dominated the early years with their physical, direct style of play, Real Madrid gradually emerged as a powerhouse, especially during the mid-20th century with their success in European competitions.
Athletic Bilbao, with its deep-rooted ties to Basque culture, prides itself on being one of only three clubs (alongside Real Madrid and FC Barcelona) to have never been relegated from La Liga.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s legacy is built on its international successes and its ability to attract the world’s best players, from Alfredo Di Stéfano to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite their contrasting approaches, the rivalry remains intense, with each team cherishing victories over the other as a badge of honor.
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao |
| Total Matches Played | 226 | 226 |
| Wins | 118 | 66 |
| Draws | 42 | 42 |
| Goals Scored | 423 | 315 |
| Goals Conceded | 315 | 423 |
| Highest Win | 7:1 (1980) | 6:0 (1931) |
| Largest Loss | 0:6 (1931) | 1:7 (1980) |
| Win Percentage | 52.21% | 29.20% |
| Goal Difference | +108 | -108 |
Real Madrid leads the rivalry comfortably in terms of victories and goals scored, reflecting their dominance in Spanish football over the decades. However, Athletic Bilbao has had its fair share of memorable moments, particularly in the early years of La Liga and in high-stakes knockout matches.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao: Head-to-Head Record
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| Date | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Winner |
| 31.03.2024 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 12.08.2023 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 04.06.2023 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 22.01.2023 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 03.02.2022 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 16.01.2022 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 22.12.2021 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 01.12.2021 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 16.05.2021 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 14.01.2021 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 15.12.2020 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 05.07.2020 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 22.12.2019 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 | Draw |
| 21.04.2019 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 15.09.2018 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 18.04.2018 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 02.12.2017 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:0 | Draw |
| 18.03.2017 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 23.10.2016 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 13.02.2016 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:2 | Real Madrid |
| 23.09.2015 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 07.03.2015 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 05.10.2014 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:0 | Real Madrid |
| 02.02.2014 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 01.09.2013 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 14.04.2013 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:3 | Real Madrid |
| 17.11.2012 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:1 | Real Madrid |
| 02.05.2012 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:3 | Real Madrid |
| 22.01.2012 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 09.04.2011 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:3 | Real Madrid |
| 20.11.2010 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:1 | Real Madrid |
| 08.05.2010 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:1 | Real Madrid |
| 16.01.2010 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 14.03.2009 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:5 | Real Madrid |
| 26.10.2008 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:2 | Real Madrid |
| 27.04.2008 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 08.12.2007 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 29.04.2007 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:4 | Real Madrid |
| 03.12.2006 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 11.02.2006 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 22.09.2005 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 19.02.2005 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 25.09.2004 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 20.03.2004 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 01.11.2003 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 22.06.2003 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 26.01.2003 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 16.02.2002 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 06.10.2001 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 10.02.2001 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 23.09.2000 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 30.01.2000 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 12.09.1999 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:2 | Draw |
| 20.02.1999 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 26.09.1998 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:3 | Real Madrid |
| 05.04.1998 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 | Draw |
| 22.11.1997 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 25.05.1997 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 05.01.1997 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 24.01.1996 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:5 | Real Madrid |
| 09.09.1995 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 26.02.1995 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 24.09.1994 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:0 | Real Madrid |
| 09.04.1994 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 05.12.1993 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 21.03.1993 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 23.10.1992 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 16.02.1992 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:0 | Real Madrid |
| 14.09.1991 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:4 | Real Madrid |
| 11.05.1991 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 15.12.1990 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 17.03.1990 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 11.11.1989 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:0 | Real Madrid |
| 07.05.1989 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 26.11.1988 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:3 | Draw |
| 12.03.1988 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:0 | Real Madrid |
| 31.10.1987 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:0 | Draw |
| 15.03.1987 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 16.11.1986 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:4 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 16.02.1986 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 20.10.1985 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 03.02.1985 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:2 | Draw |
| 07.10.1984 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:0 | Draw |
| 01.04.1984 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 27.11.1983 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 | Draw |
| 03.04.1983 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 04.12.1982 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:4 | Real Madrid |
| 28.02.1982 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 07.11.1981 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 11.01.1981 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 14.09.1980 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 7:1 | Real Madrid |
| 18.05.1980 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 20.01.1980 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 11.03.1979 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:3 | Draw |
| 14.10.1978 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 12.02.1978 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 25.09.1977 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 23.01.1977 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 12.09.1976 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 18.04.1976 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 21.12.1975 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 04.05.1975 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 29.12.1974 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 03.02.1974 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 23.09.1973 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 09.05.1973 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:3 | Draw |
| 10.12.1972 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 05.03.1972 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 16.10.1971 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 07.03.1971 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 15.11.1970 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 20.06.1970 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 13.06.1970 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 01.02.1970 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 5:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 19.10.1969 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:2 | Draw |
| 26.01.1969 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 06.10.1968 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 11.02.1968 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 | Draw |
| 15.10.1967 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 12.03.1967 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:0 | Real Madrid |
| 13.11.1966 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:0 | Draw |
| 13.03.1966 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 05.12.1965 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 11.04.1965 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 20.12.1964 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 12.01.1964 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:3 | Real Madrid |
| 15.09.1963 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 21.04.1963 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 06.01.1963 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:2 | Real Madrid |
| 28.01.1962 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 08.10.1961 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 26.02.1961 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 06.11.1960 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 31.01.1960 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:3 | Real Madrid |
| 11.10.1959 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 12.04.1959 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 14.12.1958 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:0 | Draw |
| 23.03.1958 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 17.11.1957 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 6:0 | Real Madrid |
| 24.02.1957 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 04.11.1956 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 22.01.1956 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 18.09.1955 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 20.02.1955 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 07.11.1954 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 17.01.1954 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 20.09.1953 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:3 | Real Madrid |
| 22.02.1953 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:2 | Real Madrid |
| 19.10.1952 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:2 | Draw |
| 20.01.1952 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 30.09.1951 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:2 | Draw |
| 11.03.1951 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:2 | Draw |
| 05.11.1950 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:5 | Real Madrid |
| 12.03.1950 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 6:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 13.11.1949 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:2 | Draw |
| 30.01.1949 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:2 | Real Madrid |
| 10.10.1948 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:3 | Real Madrid |
| 04.04.1948 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 28.12.1947 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:1 | Real Madrid |
| 12.01.1947 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:6 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 06.10.1946 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 06.01.1946 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 23.09.1945 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 18.02.1945 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 22.10.1944 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 26.03.1944 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:2 | Real Madrid |
| 12.12.1943 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 14.03.1943 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:0 | Real Madrid |
| 29.11.1942 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 18.01.1942 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:2 | Real Madrid |
| 12.10.1941 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 16.02.1941 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 24.11.1940 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 28.04.1940 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 11.02.1940 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 31.05.1936 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:1 | Real Madrid |
| 24.05.1936 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:1 | Real Madrid |
| 12.04.1936 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:2 | Draw |
| 12.01.1936 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 24.03.1935 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:2 | Real Madrid |
| 06.01.1935 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 20.04.1934 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:3 | Real Madrid |
| 18.04.1934 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:2 AET | Draw |
| 15.04.1934 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:1 | Draw |
| 08.04.1934 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 11.02.1934 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 10.12.1933 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 5:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 25.06.1933 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 26.03.1933 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 22.01.1933 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 0:2 | Real Madrid |
| 07.02.1932 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:3 | Draw |
| 22.11.1931 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 22.03.1931 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:4 | Real Madrid |
| 18.01.1931 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 0:6 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 01.06.1930 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:2 AET | Athletic Bilbao |
| 02.02.1930 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 01.12.1929 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 23.06.1929 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 21.04.1929 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 5:1 | Real Madrid |
| 27.01.1929 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 1:4 | Real Madrid |
| 20.01.1929 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:1 | Real Madrid |
| 15.04.1924 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 13.04.1924 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 3:0 | Real Madrid |
| 06.04.1924 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 08.04.1923 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 5:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 25.03.1923 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 04.04.1920 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 28.03.1920 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:1 | Draw |
| 07.05.1916 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 4:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 17.03.1913 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 19.03.1910 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 30.03.1907 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 24.03.1907 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 2:3 | Athletic Bilbao |
| 10.04.1906 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 4:1 | Real Madrid |
| 18.04.1905 | Real Madrid | Athletic Bilbao | 1:0 | Real Madrid |
| 08.04.1903 | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid | 3:2 | Athletic Bilbao |
Iconic Moments in Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Clashes
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1931: Athletic Bilbao’s Dominance
In the early years of La Liga, Athletic Bilbao showcased their strength with a resounding 6-0 victory over Real Madrid. This remains one of the most lopsided results in the rivalry’s history and a testament to Bilbao’s dominance during that era.
1980: Real Madrid’s Revenge
Nearly half a century later, Real Madrid delivered their own statement with a 7-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao, which remains their largest margin of victory in this rivalry. The game exemplified Real Madrid’s attacking brilliance during the late 20th century.
2022 Spanish Super Cup Final
In a high-stakes Supercopa de España final, Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to lift the trophy. Goals from Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema underlined Madrid’s superiority in the competition.
2021 La Liga Title Race Decider
In one of the most critical encounters of the 2020/21 La Liga season, Real Madrid edged past Athletic Bilbao with a 1-0 win thanks to a crucial goal by Nacho. The victory kept Madrid in the title race, although they ultimately fell short to Atlético Madrid.
2022 Copa del Rey Quarterfinal
Athletic Bilbao showcased their resilience in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal, eliminating Real Madrid with a dramatic late goal by Álex Berenguer. The 1-0 victory highlighted Bilbao’s ability to deliver in knockout competitions, despite being underdogs.
Contrasting Styles: Basque Identity vs Global Domination
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao is more than just about football. It reflects a broader cultural and philosophical divide:
- Athletic Bilbao: Their strict policy of fielding Basque players has earned them admiration worldwide for preserving regional identity and fostering local talent. Despite these limitations, they remain competitive in La Liga and frequently challenge the big guns.
- Real Madrid: With a global fanbase and immense financial power, Madrid attracts the world’s best players. Their focus on winning at all costs contrasts sharply with Bilbao’s homegrown approach.
These differences make every match between the two teams a fascinating spectacle.
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Stands the Test of Time
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao is a rivalry that encapsulates the essence of Spanish football. While Real Madrid often dominates, Athletic Bilbao’s unwavering commitment to their principles ensures that their encounters are never short of drama and excitement.
As football continues to evolve, the contrast between these two clubs only becomes more pronounced, adding layers of intrigue to their future clashes. With both clubs focused on maintaining their legacies, the rivalry promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments.
FAQs
How many times have Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao played each other?
They have faced each other 226 times in official competitions.
Who has more wins in this rivalry?
Real Madrid leads with 118 wins compared to Athletic Bilbao’s 66.
What is the largest win margin in their matches?
Real Madrid’s largest win is 7:1 (1980), while Athletic Bilbao’s is 6:0 (1931).
How many draws have occurred between the two teams?
There have been 42 draws in their rivalry.
What is the goal difference between the two teams?
Real Madrid has a +108 goal difference, having scored 423 goals to Athletic Bilbao’s 315.
When was their most recent match?
Their most recent match was on 31 March 2024, with Real Madrid winning 2:0.
What was Real Madrid’s longest unbeaten streak against Athletic Bilbao?
Real Madrid had a 12-match unbeaten streak between 2013 and 2019 in La Liga.
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