Athletic Bilbao vs Girona prediction 19.02.2024

• Competition: La Liga
• Date: Monday, 19th February 2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UTC / 21:00 CET
• Venue: Estadio San Mamés (Bilbao)

Athletic Bilbao were mostly a mid-table team in the previous several seasons, even failing to secure Europe in the last six years. This season, the Basques are playing great as they are 5th with 46 points, just two points away from the desired 4th place and the Champions League spot. Securing at least the Europa League or Europa Conference League looks entirely real. They are also superb in the Cup, reaching the Semi-Finals and winning 1:0 away from home in the first leg vs Atletico Madrid. The following 15-20 days are highly important as Bilbao will face really tough opponents: Girona, Betis, Atletico Madrid (in the Cup), and Barcelona. 

Girona are one of the most pleasant surprises in today's football. They kept pace with Real Madrid for the majority of the season, but with the latest loss in the h2h duel, the title dreams are slowly shattering. Right now, they are 2nd, five points away from the Los Blancos but ten away from their next opponent, Athletic Bilbao. Even though they were impressive throughout the season, it looks like they are slowing down. 

Athletic Bilbao vs Girona pick: Athletic Bilbao to win

The biggest difference in Bilbao's results this year is their home record. They have been excellent throughout the season, winning nine of 12 matches and losing only to Real Madrid. Lately, their defense have been really impressive, considering they kept a clean sheet in the last four games in all competitions.

Girona won just once in the last four matches in all competitions. But the latest loss vs Real Madrid (4:0) was disheartening as Los Blancos really dismantled them. That loss pretty much means that the title is out of reach and will surely affect the team's morale. 

In the previous h2h game, we saw a 1:1 draw in a very close match at Estadio Municipal de Montilivi in Girona. Now, at home, we believe that Bilbao will exploit a somewhat weaker Girona's form and secure a ninth consecutive home win.