Seen from all planes, Athletic stands as a danger for Madrid. Due to its status as a classic, from which it has abdicated in its last visits to the Bernabéu (He hasn't won for fifteen years and has only drawn two draws in his last sixteen games there, his worst streak ever); for its characteristics of changing team from one game to another, and because it is in the second half of the table, an area where the rivals with whom Madrid lose consciousness this season live. More after the alpine week that drags (follow the game live on AS.com).
The physical and emotional beating of three crucial games advise a rotation in Madrid, but injuries and the collapse of part of the second unit greatly limit Zidane's ability to maneuver. Odegaard, Hazard, Mariano and Odegaard are still out. And Marcelo, Isco or Militao roll towards the bottom of the squad. The first has four games without playing a minute; the second, three; the third, eight. They are out of the loop although the technician, at a press conference, blames himself for his misery. With everything, anyone from them it could have a place today. Between those who need a urgent rest are Varane, who has played everything except the game against Huesca, and Modric, who has 24 meetings in two months and a half without a single break. However, the Athletic poster and Casemiro's suspension due to suspension may postpone the break. For the Brazilian will play Valverde, which is almost plan A: he has been a starter in 75% of the crashes in which he was available.
A new attack
Yes, changes are foreseeable between Benzema escorts in attack. Lucas Vázquez has linked eight complete games without a break and Vinicius has punctured in the last two. So two can be opened holes for Rodrygo and Marco Asensio.
Nor is life easy in Athletic. Garitano has been on the wire for weeks. Like Zidane, he dodges the dismissal game by game. Now he has not won for three and the danger surrounds him again, not so much in Valdebebas' game but in Friday's against Huesca. Turning the team around, he ended up setting up Raúl García, 15 goals last year and an institution at home. Villalibre has taken his place in the last four games, but the Navarrese could be today in eleven. He is a natural enemy of Madrid due to his athletic past and the fierceness he uses in duels with the whites (two goals against 16 cards).
Williams' slump
Nor are these good times for Williams, he franchise player with the highest card in the squad and who, already 26 years old, still does not improve his relationship with the goal. His scoring average (0.27 points per game) is well below those of his predecessors Urzaiz (0.30), Llorente (0.33) and Aduriz. He spent two years, a month and 19 days without marking in San Mamés (from December 2016 to January 2019) and only takes two goals this year. He has hired a nutritionist and a cook to see if he can find help there, but in Bilbao begins to be questioned. Also Unai Simón, goal of the selection, chain three consecutive serious errors. The two, in any case, will be in Madrid.
An eleven with three centrals cannot be ruled out, that Garitano already used last year at the Camp Nou and the Bernabéu (tied at zero), while Victor and Unai López they dispute a place. Athletic is closer to relegation than Europe and Madrid is still at a disadvantage compared to the top. The finals are not over.