Real Madrid finish the 2025/26 La Liga campaign at home against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu. The hosts enter the match amid a public crisis, having ended the year without silverware and setting unwanted records. Jose Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu is expected to be confirmed soon, while current coach Alvaro Arbeloa seeks a final statement after a downbeat tenure. Real Madrid have won three of their last four league games, including a 1-0 win away at Sevilla. They remain without Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Arda Guler, and Rodrygo is ruled out until 2026/27. Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the line, with Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially returning. Athletic Bilbao arrive after a 4-2 win over Alaves, but that result is framed as only a temporary lift.
"Signing off the 2025/26 La Liga campaign on Saturday night, Real Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu. Real Madrid have found themselves at the heart of a public crisis this season. Remarkably once again ending this year without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, the Spanish giants have broken plenty of unwanted records. With Jose Mourinho's sensational return to the Bernabeu dugout set to be made official over the coming days, current boss Alvaro Arbeloa is simply looking to sign off his downbeat tenure with a final weekend statement."
"All still dealing with respective season-ending muscle injuries, Real Madrid will once again be without the trio of Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Turkish starlet Arda Guler. Likewise, despite reportedly being ahead of schedule, Brazilian international Rodrygo will not feature again until the 2026/27 campaign as he recovers from a long-term knee injury. Handed a full return against Sevilla last weekend following what has been a public feud with Arbeloa, French skipper Kylian Mbappe should keep his spot leading the line. Despite enduring a frustrating maiden campaign in Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be handed a full recall on Saturday night."
"As for the visitors, while Athletic Bilbao might have opened May with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Alaves, it appears that was just a minor boost for Ernesto Valverde"
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