The first important test for Julen Lopetegui will take place this Saturday (20:45, local time). Read here the preview of the game Athletic Club v Real Madrid, where Los Blancos will try to continue with their victory run in La Liga.
Athletic Club v Real Madrid Preview
Los Blancos have started very well the season but the calendar was quite easy. Getafe, Girona or Leganés are rivals that have to be beaten if the team wants to win the title. However, the first important test will be San Mamés, a tough stadium where Los Blancos were unable to win (0-0) last year. Besides, Real Madrid face a difficult part of the season with the debut in the Champions League -Wednesday against Roma- and they play against Sevilla and Atlético Madrid before the end of September.
Julen Lopetegui has all his squad available. Odriozola is fit after his injury, so he could make his official debut in La Liga with Los Blancos and give some rest to Dani Carvajal, who showed an excellent level with the Spanish national team. Mariano Díaz, who stayed in Madrid training during the international break, could also have some minutes but he should start on the bench. Besides, Thibaut Courtois is set to start defending the goal, with Keylor Navas as substitute.
Athletic Club haven’t started very well the season at home. They beat Leganés (2-1) in the last minute thanks to a goal scored by Muniain and they were surprised by the new promoted team Huesca (2-2) at San Mamés. They couldn’t play away yet in the competition because their game against Rayo Vallecano was suspended.
Probably Line Up Athletic Club v Real Madrid
Athletic Club: Unai Simon; Yuri, Iñigo Martínez, Yeray, De Marcos; Dani García, Muniain, Unai López; Susaeta, Williams and Aduriz.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, Odriozola; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Asensio, Bale and Benzema.
