Al Jazeera takes a look at Athletic’s visit to Real Madrid, where LaLiga’s defense champions season remains in balance.
WHO: Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
That: Spanish LaLiga
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
When: Sunday at 9 pm (19:00 GMT)
Follow the live text of Al Jazeera Sport and the transmission of photographic comments.
Real Madrid’s defending champions desperately need the three points, since they entertain Bilbao Atlético in LaLiga.
The defense of the Spanish giants of their Champions League title ended with a defeat against Arsenal on Wednesday.
And with Barcelona, seven clear points in the upper part of LaLiga with its 4-3 victory on the return of Celta Vigo on Saturday, the whites cannot afford to leave points against a team that shows that it collapses.
What is the last about Ancelotti’s future?
The real coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has refused to talk about his future with the club after recent reports linked him again with a transfer to the National Team of Brazil.
The veteran Italian manager was asked several times about the reporters on Saturday at a press conference prior to the game if he left the Spanish giant this summer, and every time he replied that he does not want to talk about it.
“At the end of the season, we will talk about this with the club,” he said more than once.
The 65 -year -old is under contract with Madrid until June 2026.
What happened to the Real Madrid season?
Speculations about Ancelotti’s career plans once again shot after the Madrid League departure.
Besids La Copa del Rey, Madrid is still in the fight to defend its league title and will also play in the Club World Cup this summer.
Foot: #Barçaceta 4-3
Raphinha leads the comeback to @Fcbarcelona! 🔥#Lalgaaessports | #Delacelala pic.twitter.com/85zk1fshis
– LaLiga English (@Lalalaen) April 19, 2025
What is the link between Brazil and Ancelotti?
According to reports, Brazil has been after Ancelotti since last year looks for an elite coach for the 2026 World Cup.
The South Americans fired Dorival Junior as coach last month.
What is the Ancelotti record as manager?
Ancelotti is the only coach who has won the Champions League five times, three times with Madrid (2014, 2022, 2024) and twice with AC Milan (2003, 2007).
He is also the only coach who has directed teams to the titles of the National League in Spain, England, Italy, Germany and France.
Who aligned to replace Ancelotti?
The former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, and the former Liverpool midfielder and Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, are the main candidates with candidates to replace Ancelotti if he leaves Madrid.
Klopp, however, is “very happy” in its current publication in Red Bull despite the rumors that link him with a return to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday.
The German became the Global Football Chief of Red Bull in January, taking care of a club stable, including RB Leipzig, the New York Red Bulls and Bragantino in Brazil.
Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen coach, refused Friday to close speculation that he could be prepared to move to Real Madrid in the summer.
“It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We are at a very important moment in the season,” Alonso said.
Leverkusen is six points from the League leaders, Bayern Munich, with five trailled games.
What is Athletic Club’s fairing in LaLiga?
Athletic has fourth place in the top Spanish category with 15 victories of 31 games.
No team has lost less games than the Bilboa -based club, which has suffered defeat just four times.
📋 📋 Our squad for the game!
🆚 @Athletic_en pic.twitter.com/A59FO36SQC– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 19, 2025
Real Madrid team news
Kylian Mbappe is fulfilling a suspension of a game after his red card against Alaves.
Eduardo Camavinga returns from the suspension that ruled out from the defeat by Arsenal.
Ferland Mendy and Andriy Lunin have the opportunity to return from Knocks, but Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are with knee injuries.
Athletic Club team news
Inaki Williams is likely to remain a submarine due to an adductor lesion.
This game has probably arrived too soon for Yuri Berchiche to return from a muscular problem.
🗒 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗
Ernesto Valverde has called 2 pins players for tomorrow’s shock with @Realmadriden In the Santiago Bernabéu.
ℹ️ Travel details 👉 https://t.co/vxwed3nqkx#Realmadridathletic #Athleticclub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/ptupplpo7aq
– Athletic Club (@athletic_en) April 19, 2025