Athletic Bilbao vs Leganes: Spanish Championship Match Prediction
In the 21st round of the Spanish championship, Athletic hosts Leganes. The hosts are playing inconsistently, as are the guests, which makes the nature of the match unpredictable, given the teams' position. Will the capital team be able to impose at least some kind of fight on their opponent? Who will take the tournament points in the match on January 26? The answer is in our betting tip

Match announcement

Athletic Bilbao

Current form
Athletic Bilbao, despite having the longest unbeaten run in La Liga since 1985, head into the match against Leganes on the back of a difficult spell. Ernesto Valverde side have suffered three defeats in their last four games in all competitions, including a 4-1 thrashing by Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League.
Their only win this year came in the Copa del Rey against fourth-tier Logrones, and only in extra time. However, the Lions can be confident of their ability at home: at San Mamés they have conceded only seven goals in 20 matches this season. Against Leganes, the Basques will be eager to end their negative streak, especially since they have won four of their last six head-to-head encounters.
Injuries and disqualifications
Athletic will be without de Gallareta (muscle injury) and Sunset (knee injury).
Interesting trends for betting
- Nico Williams continues to show high performance and creativity in attack, which makes him a key player for the team.
- Athletic have lost just one of their last 23 home games, maintaining an excellent record at San Mames.
- The Basques have remained unbeaten at home for over a year, highlighting their consistency in games in front of their home fans.
Probable lineup: Padilla - Lecue, Vivian, Inigo Martinez, Ballenciaga - Vesga, Dani Garcia, Muniain - Nico Williams, Raul Garcia, Inaki Williams

Leganes

Current form
Leganes continue to show their fighting spirit, shocking Atletico Madrid last weekend and ending their 15-match winning streak with a 1-0 victory. The success was part of an impressive run of four matches without defeat in all competitions. Borja Jimenez side have picked up a point in each of their last six away games, a consistency that leaves them optimistic heading into the Basque Country.
In La Liga, Leganes have gone three away games unbeaten, and if they can extend that run to four games, it will be a historic achievement for the club. However, one of the Pepineros' biggest problems remains their scoring: in nine of their ten away games this season in La Liga, the team has scored no more than one goal. To maintain the momentum and move away from the relegation zone, Leganes will need to step up their attack.
Disqualifications and injuries
The team will have to cope without Franqueza (knee injury), Saenz (injury) and starting goalkeeper Soriano, who will miss the match due to a red card.
Interesting trends for betting
- In Leganes' last five matches, there have been three goals from both sides, which speaks to the team unpredictability.
- Sergio González remains a key player: his performance has helped Leganes avoid defeat on more than one occasion, including in crucial games against strong opponents.
- Leganes have a difficult record against top-half teams, failing to score in four of their last six such encounters.
Probable line-up: Lopez - Brsanac, Cisse, Cruz - Gonzalez, de la Fuente, Hernandez, Guairo - Raba, Carcelen
Trends
Bet Exact score 1:1
Two of the visitors' last five matches ended in a draw
7.60Bet Leganes to score in the second half
The bet came in in the last two games
1.65Athletic Bilbao won't score in the first half
In three of the last six games the bet has won
1.65Tip and bets
There is a good chance that both teams will score in the upcoming match. Athletic have excellent attacking power, especially at home, where they regularly create chances and score. Athletic have scored at least once in their last five home games, and their attack, led by Inyaki Williams and other key players, continues to increase the pressure on the opposition defence.
Despite being bottom of the table, Leganes have shown confidence in attack, especially against stronger teams. They have scored in four of their last five away games, showing their ability to find ways to score, even in tough situations. Although Leganes’ defence has been prone to errors, they have often made up for these problems in attack with persistence and a smart approach. With both teams working hard to score, this is likely to be a high-scoring match. Athletic have a more consistent attack, but Leganes could well find their chances to score in return, especially given the nature of their away games.
Our prediction is that both teams will score. We bet on this with a coefficient of 2.30
Bet on the outcome
The match between Athletic and Leganes in La Liga on January 26, 2025 also promises to be a tough one, despite the difference in class of the teams. Athletic traditionally shows a strong game at their stadium, but Leganes, despite its position at the bottom of the table, has proven in recent away games that it is capable of causing problems to stronger opponents.
Madrid have a strong attacking line, but away games sometimes show vulnerabilities in defense, especially in tight situations. Leganes can use their strengths, such as counter-attacks and set pieces, to compensate for the difference in class. Therefore, the match can end in a draw, as both teams can fight hard for the result, but neither can secure a victory.
Betting Tip - draw with odds of 5.00
Bet on statistics
We expect the match to be a tough contest, which will lead to a large number of fouls. Both clubs play with an emphasis on tactical play, where strong defense and fast attacks are key. Athletic actively use pressing, and Leganes will be forced to foul to stop fast counter-attacks. The commitment to an aggressive style of play and fighting for every ball suggests that the total number of fouls will be above average.
Betting Tip - total fouls over 25 with odds of 1.90