Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Prediction & Match Preview

Athletic Bilbao vs Granada, Spain – Copa del Rey
Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2020, Kick-off at 20:20 UK/ 21:00 CET
Venue: Estadio San Mamés (Bilbao).

Considering the h2h superiority of Bilbao, their home advantage, their form at home this season, and the struggles of Granada on the road, there arises no doubt as to whom the tag of the favorites goes – Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Head-to-head (h2h)

• Bilbao are on a three-match winning run against this opponent.
• Six of the last nine wins went to Athletic Bilbao.
• Granada have scored a total of three goals from their previous six visits to this stadium, while the hosts netted five goals from the past two matches alone.
• Since 2011, only once have Granada won at this venue.

Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Match Preview

Athletic Bilbao will be on cloud nine after their 1-0 win at home against Barcelona in the Quarters. In the closely-contested ninety minutes, Barca had managed to outplay the Basque outfit, but still, the home team held the composure to deliver the win at the last.

The win not only eliminated a major contender for the title, but probably the last major team remaining in the competition as well. 

The new format of the contest has seen some high-profile exits early. As of now, the teams that are left in the tournament are these two, plus Miranda (second division), and Real Sociedad.

Suffice it to say, Bilbao might not get a chance as this in the near future to lift the Copa trophy.

Meanwhile, Granada too had secured a confidence-boosting win, that too against the reigning champions, Valencia.

Granada had the home advantage, and they had played hosts to the title-winners of last season. Scores were level at 1-1 even into the injury time, but the home team was awarded a penalty in the 90+4th minute, which Roberto Soldado converted.

The thrilling win will surely raise the spirit, and self-belief of the squad, and they certainly will now try to pull off another upset. 

However, their record on the road poses some serious questions.

Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Prediction

First of all, Bilbao have the home advantage, and they have been a force to reckon with, at this venue since the start of the season. In fact, they were unbeaten in 15 of their last 17 home fixtures, and 11 of these were wins. And the latest one of those wins, was against Barcelona.

Moreover, they were also unbeaten in 16 of their preceding 19 overall games, and are the second-most successful team in the history of the competition after the Blaugrana.

On the other hand, Granada were winless in 13 of their past 18 overall fixtures, and have a single win on the road from their previous 13 attempts. And embarrassingly, eight of these were losses.

In addition, Bilbao are on a three-match winning run against this opposition, and they have lost just once against this team at home, since 2011.

Taking these observations into account, we are inclined to pick Athletic Bilbao as the strong favorite for this upcoming encounter.

Athletic Bilbao vs Granada Betting Tips

• To Win: Athletic Bilbao @ 1.80 (4/5)

• Over 1.5 Team Goals by Athletic Bilbao @ 2.20 (6/5).