How things have changed for the two sides since they met in the 2012 Europa League final, with Atletico Madrid going on to become genuine title contenders in La Liga and Athletic Bilbao turning into relegation strugglers.

This will feel as a good opportunity for los Leones to get revenge for the 3-0 defeat in the aforementioned final, but the question is have they got what it takes to stop high-flying los Colchoneros.

Athletic Bilbao have made quite a journey since contesting Europa League and Copa del Rey finals last term, but the trip hasn’t been too rewarding for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The two final defeats and transfer sagas surrounding Javi Martinez and Fernando Llorente took the wind out of team’s sails, and los Leones have been struggling ever since.

The form that served them so well last term is long gone, and just one point from last four matches have seen Athletic slip to La Liga danger zone.

Following three straight league defeats, Los Leones produced a very good performance against Real Betis last weekend, but were very unfortunate not to win the game.

They will now try to make amends against Falcao-less Atletico Madrid, with Stan James paying 3.20 (11/5) on home win.

Carlos Gurpegui and Ion Aurtenetxe have resumed full training, while Mikel San Jose returns from suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-2-1): Iraizoz – Iraola, Ekiza, Laporte, Aurtenetxe – Herrera, Iturraspe, De Marcos – Susaeta, Muniain – Aduriz.

Last season proved to be a big success for Atletico Madrid as they went on to win the Europa League title, but rather than resting on their laurels, los Colchoneros even managed to improve on their showings this term.

Their La Liga campaign has been a huge success, with Diego Simeone’s side having climbed to second place in the standings, but the team have also done really well in Copa del Rey and Europa League.

After recording a 3-1 aggregate win over Real Betis to reach Copa del Rey semi-finals, Atletico Madrid aim to continue their impressive run of results at San Mames, and they are 2.50 (3/2) with William Hill to win at the Cathedral.

That will be no easy task now that Radamel Falcao has picked up a hamstring injury, but good news is Juanfran has resumed full training.

However, having won their last three competitive fixtures against los Leones, Atletico Madrid have reason for optimism ahead of the trip to San Mames.

Diego Costa and Javier Manquillo have done some individual work this week, but they should be fit to face Athletic.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Junafran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis – Gabi, Tiago – Koke, Raul Garcia, Turan – Diego Costa.

2013 Champions League Bet Refund!

If Real Madrid win The Champions League 2013, BetVictor will refund all losing outright winner bets. Up to up to a maximum of £/€50 per person/household.

Get Your Bet Refund!