Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction: The hosts to avenge their league defeat?

The Copa del Rey semi-final first legs get underway in the week and Atletico Madrid welcome Athletic Club to the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday evening (20:30).

The two teams are fourth and fifth in La Liga with just three points separating them, so on the face of it, this could be a tight contest.

Match Odds

Atletico are a shade of odds-on to take advantage in this first leg, at 10/11. A draw can be backed at 23/10, while Athletic Bilbao are 13/5 to frustrate the hosts once again.

Both teams to score is priced at 4/5 and over 2.5 goals is valued at EVS.

Team News

Atletico Madrid are likely going to be without trio Cesar Azpilicueta, Thomas Lemar and Jose Gimenez for Wednesday's clash.

Alex Berenguer remains the sole injury concern for Athletic Bilbao heading into this one. They were boosted by the return of Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta over the weekend.

Memphis Depay to score anytime @ 6/4

When it comes to the Copa del Rey, Memphis Depay has been the man for Atletico Madrid this term. The Dutchman has scored three goals in as many appearances this term and he is likely going to be given a leading role on Wednesday to help his side progress to their first Copa del Rey final in 11 years.

Depay has also scored a further four times in 13 La Liga appearances this year. It isn't as much as he would like but with more games, he has the chance to improve his form and in return his goal tally.

We have been seeing improved consistency from him in recent weeks as he has scored three in his last four outings in all competitions, so he will be full of confidence heading into this clash.

Atletico Madrid to score in both halves @ 21/10

Athletic Bilbao have shown strength in this competition in recent years having reached back-to-back finals in 2020 and 2021. They are looking to reach their first final in front of a crowd, however, since 2015.

There is no disputing that over two legs they will cause a lot of problems for Atletico Madrid, but Diego Simeone's side can cause problems of their own.

With the depth of quality they have in attacking areas with the likes of Depay, Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata, they can have some fun on home soil in this first leg.

We like the 21/10 price on them to score in both halves, given the fact that this selection has landed in 21 of their matches in all competitions already this term.