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Real Madrid logo
La Liga | Gameweek 38
Jun 4, 2023 at 5.30pm UK
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
Athletic Bilbao logo

Real Madrid
1 - 1
Athletic Bilbao

Benzema (72' pen.)
Ceballos (55'), Carvajal (85')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Sancet (49')
Sancet (57'), Berchiche (71')

Real Madrid welcome four players back into squad for Athletic Bilbao clash

Real Madrid welcome four players back into squad for Athletic clash
© Reuters
Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Karim Benzema return to the Real Madrid squad for Sunday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid's squad has been boosted by the returns of Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Karim Benzema for Sunday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Vinicius has been struggling with knee inflammation over the last couple of weeks, while Benzema missed out against Sevilla last weekend due to a nasty foot injury that he suffered against Rayo Vallecano.

The pair are back in the squad for Real Madrid's final La Liga game of the season, though, where Carlo Ancelotti's side will look to secure second position in the table ahead of Atletico Madrid.

There are also returns to the squad for Asensio and Mariano, who have been out with muscular issues, and the pair could be seen for the final time in a Real Madrid shirt on Sunday.

Real Madrid's Marco Asensio pictured on October 25, 2022© Reuters

Los Blancos confirmed on Saturday that Asensio and Mariano are both leaving this summer, with their contracts due to expire at the end of the month.

An agreement has also been reached to terminate Eden Hazard's contract this summer, but the Belgian is also in the squad for the contest with Athletic and will hope to be given the chance to say goodbye to the fans.

Ancelotti also seemingly confirmed that Benzema would be staying at Bernabeu for the 2023-24 campaign despite strong reports lining the forward with a move to Saudi Arabia.

"Benzema is ready to play tomorrow, he's recovered. I agree with Benzema. Internet is not the reality. He has another year on his contract. I think it's clear," the Italian told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"The legends of this club have to retire at Real Madrid. This is what I believe and what the club believes. But the player maybe doesn't think the same."

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal to complete his hat-trick on April 5, 2023© Reuters

Ancelotti also offered his views on the season, with Los Blancos winning the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey, but they fell short in La Liga and the Champions League.

"It's difficult to rate yourself. What I can say is that it's been a very long season. We've worked hard and sometimes I haven't always been able to transmit a very high level of motivation," he added.

"It's not easy to motivate every three days. I've given everything I could give. I put myself on a positive note, but next year I'm going to do better."

Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Luka Modric and Nacho also only have deals with Real Madrid until the end of this month, and announcements on all four are likely to arrive next week.

Real Madrid squad vs. Athletic Bilbao:

Courtois, Lunin, Fran; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola, Vazquez, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mariano

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How you voted: Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid
77.8%
Draw
14.1%
Athletic Bilbao
8.1%
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Dani Ceballos in action for Real Madrid on August 20, 2022
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2GironaGirona35236675443175
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Villarreal35139135960-148
9Valencia34138133739-247
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
17Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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