Real Madrid will be looking to make a strong start to the season when they take on Athletic Club in Saturday's La Liga fixture at San Mames, Bilbao.
Los Blancos conceded the league title to archrivals Barcelona by a whole 10 points, while Ernesto Valverde's men lost out to Osasuna in the race for European qualification. After concluding last season with a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, both sides will want to start their new campaign with a win.
Athletic were last involved in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in a friendly. Carlo Ancelotti's side registered wins over AC Milan and Manchester United before defeats against Barcelona and Juventus amid their preparations.
Here GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
Athletic Club vs Real Madrid kick-off time & stadium
| Date: | Aug 12, 2023 |
| Kick-off time: | 3:30 pm EDT |
| Venue: | San Mames |
The Primera Division match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid is scheduled for August 12, 2023, at the San Mames football stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
It will kick off at 3:30 pm EDT in the United States (US).
How to watch Athletic Club vs Real Madrid online - TV channels & live streams
 | TBD | Watch here |
The game will not be broadcast live on TV and will not be available to stream live.
GOAL will have the live updates of the game on its Live Match Center page.
Team news & squads
Athletic Club team news
Valverde is believed to have the luxury of a full squad with the exception of defender Yeray Alvarez needing to pass a late fitness test.
Nico Williams, Oiham Sancet, Iker Muniain and Inaki Williams are all expected to be part of the attack, with the likes of Asier Villalibre and Gorka Guruzeta also be pushing for a start.
Athletic Club possible XI: Simon; De Marcos, Alvarez, Vivian, Lekue; Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga; N Williams, Sancet, Muniain; I Williams
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Simon, Agirrezabala |
| Defenders: | Alvarez, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche, De Alneniz, Lekue, De Marcos |
| Midfielders: | Vesga, Nolaskoain, De Galarreta, Herrera, D. Garcia, Prados, Sancet, Muniain, Berenguer, Morcillo, Ares, N. Williams |
| Forwards: | I. Williams, Villalibre, R. Garcia, Guruzeta, Marton |
Real Madrid team news
There are quite a few injuries in the visitor's squad. New signing Guler is out with a knee problem; while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are sidelined with muscular and hamstring issues, respectively.
Madrid are said to have approached David de Geaamong the six goalkeepers they could sign to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois, as Andriy Lunin will start in goal on Saturday.
Ancelotti looks set to utilise a diamond shaped midfield this season with Jude Bellingham in an advanced role and the pair of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr up front.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga may feature ahead of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the middle.
David Alaba can face competition from new signing Fran Garcia for the left-back spot, while the pair of Militao and Antonio Rudiger should start at center-back.
Real Madrid possible XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Lunin |
| Defenders: | Militao, Alaba, Rudiger, Nacho, Garcia, Carvajal, Vazquez, Odriozola |
| Midfielders: | Tchouameni, Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos, Modric, Reinier |
| Forwards: | Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim |
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 4, 2023 | Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Club | La Liga |
| Jan 22, 2023 | Athletic Club 0-2 Real Madrid | La Liga |
| Feb 3, 2022 | Athletic Club 1-0 Real Madrid | Copa del Rey |
| Jan 16, 2022 | Athletic Club 0-2 Real Madrid | Spanish Super Cup |
| Dec 22, 2021 | Athletic Club 1-2 Real Madrid | La Liga |