Al Jazeera will see an athletic visit to Real Madrid, where the Lariga defending champion season is balanced.
WHO: Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club
Contents: Spain Lariga
Location: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
When: Sunday at 9pm (19:00 GMT)
Follow the Al Jazeera Sport’s live text and photo commentary stream.
Defending champion Real Madrid desperately needs all three points to entertain Athletic Bilbao in Lariga.
The Spanish Giants’ defense against the Champions League title ended in a loss to Arsenal on Wednesday.
And with Barcelona clearing seven points at Lariga’s top in a 4-3 comeback victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday, the Los Blancos can’t afford to drop points against a team that has proven difficult to fall.
What’s the latest in the future for Ancelotti?
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to talk about his future at the club after a recent report reconnected with his move to the Brazilian national team.
The veteran Italian manager was asked several times by reporters on Saturday at pre-game press conferences whenever he responded if he would leave the Spanish giants this summer and that he didn’t want to talk about it.
“At the end of the season, we’ll talk about this at the club,” he said many times.
The 65-year-old has signed with Madrid until June 2026.
What happened to the Real Madrid season?
Speculation about Ancelotti’s career plan has risen once again after Madrid’s withdrawal from the Champions League.
Besides Copa del Rey, Madrid is still fighting to defend Lariga’s title and will also play in the Club World Cup this summer.
ft: #Balsa Celta 4-3
Raphinha leads @fcbarcelona’s Remontada! 🔥 #laligaeasports | #desenlacelaliga pic.twitter.com/85zk1fshis
– Laliga English (@laligaen) April 19, 2025
What is the link between Brazil and Ancelotti?
Brazil reportedly has been behind Ancelotti since last year as they are looking for an elite coach for the 2026 World Cup.
The South American fired Drival Junior as coach last month.
What is Ancelotti’s record as manager?
Ancelotti is the only coach to win the Champions League five times. Three times in Madrid (2014, 2022, 2024) and twice in AC Milan (2003, 2007).
He is also the only coach to pilot the teams for domestic league titles in Spain, England, Italy, Germany and France.
Who is reportedly lined up to replace Ancelotti?
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Zabi Alonso are considered top candidates to replace Ancelotti if he leaves Madrid.
However, Klopp is “very happy” in his current post at Red Bull, despite rumors that he has returned to management with Real Madrid, his agent said Friday.
The German became head of Red Bull’s global football in January, taking care of stable clubs including Brazil’s RB Leipzig, the New York Red Bulls and Bragantino.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso refused to stop speculation on Friday that he could be ready for a move to Real Madrid in the summer.
“It’s not a good time to discuss the future. We’re at a very important moment in the season,” Alonso said.
Leverkusen is six points behind league leader Bayern Munich, with five games left.
How about Lariga’s athletic club fairing?
Athletics came in fourth in Spain’s top flight with 15 wins from 31 games.
No team has lost fewer games than a club based in Bilbore, which was defeated in just four opportunities.
Our team for smate matches!
🆚@AthLetic_En pic.twitter.com/a59fo36sqc– Real Madrid CF (@RealMadriden) April 19, 2025
Real Madrid Team News
Kylian Mbappe offers one game suspension after a red card against Alaves.
Eduardo Camavinga has returned from a halt that ruled out him from a loss by Arsenal.
Ferland Mendy and Andry Luinn could return from the knock, but Edder’s Militau and Dani Carbajall have appeared with knee injuries.
Athletic Club Team News
Inaki Williams may remain sub due to damage to the adductor muscle.
This match will probably come too soon for Yuri Burchche to return from muscle problems.
🗒𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗𝗦𝗤𝗨
Ernesto Valverde called the 2-year-old player for tomorrow’s clash with @Real Madriden at Santiago Bernabéu.
https://t.co/vxwed3nqkkx#realmadridathletic #athleticclub🦁pic.twitter.com/ptuplpo7aq
– Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) April 19, 2025
