Atletico’s Seven Points Test Athletic’s Home Response

Atletico’s unbeaten start puts pressure on Athletic

Athletic Club welcome Atletico Madrid to Bilbao on Saturday, September 5, with the visitors carrying a four-point advantage after three La Liga matches. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:15 UTC in the fourth round of the regular season. Atletico sit third on seven points, while Athletic are 13th on three points and a -2 goal difference.

The table gives Atletico room to play with control rather than urgency. They are two points behind leaders Barcelona and remain unbeaten, with two wins and a draw. Athletic, six points off the top, need a response after two losses and one win. A home victory would move them closer to the leading group, while another defeat would leave their early-season position looking increasingly concerning.

Contrasting momentum and home-away records

Athletic’s recent form reads loss, loss, win, with the most recent result offering some encouragement. However, their home record is less convincing: one defeat from one match, with one goal scored and three conceded. They have yet to keep a clean sheet at home.

Atletico’s win, draw, win sequence reflects a steadier opening. Their away record is one win from one game, supported by three goals scored and one conceded. They have not recorded an away clean sheet either, so Athletic can expect opportunities if they make their possession and attacking moments count.

Shape and attacking focus

Athletic have used a 4-2-3-1 in all three matches, giving them a consistent structure with two midfielders supporting the attacking line. That shape can help them protect against Atletico’s central threat while creating a route forward through the advanced players behind the striker.

Atletico have alternated between a 4-4-2, used twice, and a 4-1-4-1, used once. The choice between two forwards and an additional holding presence could shape how aggressively they pursue control in midfield. Their clearest attacking reference is Álex Baena, who has three goals and one assist in three appearances. Lee Kang-In has added one goal and one assist in the same number of outings, giving Atletico another productive outlet.

Absences add selection questions

Athletic will be without P. Canales, U. Egiluz, N. Serrano and D. Vivian. Canales is out with a muscle injury, Egiluz has a knee injury and Vivian a hamstring injury, while Serrano is unavailable through the coach’s decision. B. Prados Diaz is questionable with a thigh injury, which could further affect their options.

Atletico are missing O. Vargas through the coach’s decision, while J. Alvarez is questionable for personal reasons and A. Sorloth is doubtful with a muscle injury. Those uncertainties may influence whether Atletico favour the 4-4-2 or the more compact 4-1-4-1.

Prediction

Athletic Club 1-2 Atletico Madrid. Atletico’s stronger form, superior table position and productive away start give them the edge, although Athletic’s home advantage should keep the contest close.