While Atletico Madrid hold the superior long-term record with 23 wins to Athletic’s 11, the tide has turned in recent encounters. Athletic Club have won three of the last four meetings between these sides, though Atletico did manage a 3-2 victory in their most recent clash back in April.

• Atletico Madrid have failed to lose in their opening three league games of the 2026/27 campaign.
• Baena has emerged as Atletico's creative spark, contributing directly to a goal in every league match so far this season.
• Athletic Club have won three of the last four head-to-head meetings across all competitions.
• Unai Egiluz remains a long-term absentee for the hosts following an ACL injury.

Athletic will rely on the pace of Inaki and Nico Williams to stretch the Atletico defense, with Gorka Guruzeta leading the line. However, the hosts are hampered by a significant injury list including Vivian, Prados Diaz, and Serrano. Atletico face their own selection crisis upfront; despite their unbeaten run, they are without forwards Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez due to fitness issues, leaving a gap in their attacking rotation.