Real Madrid enjoyed a successful first half of the season to take a five point lead at the top of the Spanish top flight. A record of 15 wins, one draw and two defeats has put them in pole position to finally end Barcelona’s dominance of the domestic game, but Jose Mourinho’s men will be wary of slipping up over the next couple of months. Barca have beaten them twice this season – once in the league and once in the cup – and that has proved the title is anything but wrapped up. Real Madrid will be keen to put the pressure on them by continuing to secure points, and the Bernabeu giants are unsurprisingly 1/5 favourites to pick up three more here as they aim to bounce back from their midweek cup defeat to Barca.

Athletic Bilbao have European aspirations this season and are fifth in the table, with a record of six wins, eight draws and four defeats putting them in one of the two Europa League qualifying berths. They come into this match in fine form having won their last three games in all competitions, and their unbeaten run now stands at seven games. Athletic Bilbao are 14/1 outsiders to extend that sequence and put a dent in Real Madrid’s title charge with a win, while the draw is priced 11/2.

This match comes under bet365’s “Bore Draw” promotion and BetVictor’s “Don’t Hit The Bar” promotion. For bet365, place a pre-match correct score, half-time/full-time or scorecast bet and if the match finishes 0-0 all losing bets on those markets will be refunded. For BetVictor, place a five-fold or upwards on 90 minute (win/draw/win) football markets and if you have only one losing selection you will be refunded your stake as a free bet.