Athletic Bilbao are set for a top-tier clash against Atlético Madrid this Saturday, September 5th, at San Mamés Stadium. The match is part of matchday 4 in LaLiga EA Sports 2026-2027 and is scheduled for 09:15 local time, as reported by RPP Noticias.
The Basque side enters the fixture following a 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo in their last league outing. Manager Ernesto Valverde must navigate several confirmed absences, including Dani Vivian, Beñat Prados, Peio Canales, and Nico Serrano. The full squad status can be checked on the club's official injuries page.
How is Athletic Bilbao approaching this match?
Valverde's team faces the match with boosted morale after their win against Celta. That result marked their first victory of the season, placing them twelfth in the table with three points. The team aims to build a positive streak at home, where fan support is always a decisive factor.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, sits in third place with seven points from two wins and a draw. Diego Simeone brings to Bilbao a squad that defeated Sevilla 3-1 in the previous round. Recent history favors the Madrid side, who won the last meeting in April by a 3-2 scoreline.
Which absences are affecting the Bilbao squad?
The injury list is a concern for the coaching staff. The absence of Dani Vivian in central defense and Beñat Prados in midfield deprives Valverde of two regular pieces in his setup. Peio Canales and Nico Serrano complete the quartet of players unavailable for the duel.
These forced absences will require adjustments to the starting eleven. Players like Yeray Álvarez and Aitor Paredes will take on greater responsibility in the backline, while opportunities open up for other options in midfield. The squad status is constantly updated in the official squad section.
What is Athletic's immediate schedule?
After the match against Atlético, Athletic's schedule offers little respite. The fifth matchday will see them visit Elche on September 12th. They will then host Levante on the 16th and face Alavés on the 19th of the same month, all LaLiga fixtures.
These commitments are part of a dense period in the calendar where rotation and squad depth will be key. Fans can follow the evolution of the league table in standings and check all match times in fixtures. The team's objective is to climb the table before the first international break.
What happened in the last Barcelona vs Athletic match?
A report from www.taipeitimes.com recalled Rodri's debut for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in an earlier matchday. Goalkeeper Unai Simon, Spain's starter, made a series of outstanding saves to prevent a heavier defeat at Camp Nou.
That match was marked by a show of support for the 'estelada' flag instead of the planned tribute to Spain's World Cup winners. Raphinha and Fermin López scored the goals for the Blaugrana. For Athletic, it was a result that provided defensive lessons for future challenges away from home.
Athletic Bilbao's next match is at San Mamés on Saturday, September 5th at 09:15 against Atlético Madrid.
