- Athletic Bilbao have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Espanyol have won four and lost only one of their last five, including back-to-back LaLiga victories.
Perico has become Espanyol’s lucky mascot
Espanyol have won three, drawn two and lost two of their seven away games in LaLiga 2025-2026, averaging 1.00 goals scored per game and conceding just 0.86 per game. Manolo González’s side have won their last two - a 1-0 home victory over Rayo Vallecano and a 1-0 win at Getafe last weekend - to move up to fifth in the table with 30 points from 16 games.
The Pericos are targeting a place in Europe and point to a much better season than the one just past, although Espanyol are still some way off the top three. Our Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol prediction highlights that Nico Williams is Athletic Bilbao’s greatest threat, having scored three goals in 13 appearances in the league this term, and he has the pace to get to the byline to cross into the penalty area, where other runners can pounce.
But Roberto Fernandez has popped up with two of Espanyol’s last five goals to give them a different dimension and make them a lot harder to stop when they do break their opponents down. In general terms, González is far more pragmatic in his approach, sitting deep and staying compact while looking for chances to counter-attack, and he has done an excellent job since taking charge. This Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol preview suggests that Espanyol’s discipline on the road could once again be crucial.
Basque club are more of an attacking threat
Points are probably of greater importance to Espanyol, who have had a number of changes this summer, than to Athletic Bilbao, who are having a mid-table season by their own standards with 23 points from 17 matches and seventh place in the standings. The Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol prediction also takes into account that Ernesto Valverde’s side are more of an attacking team, blending possession football with high-tempo transitions, especially at San Mamés.
They have won five, drawn one and lost three of their nine home LaLiga matches, and they recently drew 0-0 with Ourense CF in the Copa del Rey and lost 2-0 away to Celta de Vigo last weekend.
This will be a chess match with the width of Athletic Bilbao against the compact, low block of Espanyol and it’s hard to see many chances being created. The odds are skewed too far in favour of the Basque club at 1.74 with Espanyol 4.85 and the draw 3.45. Under 2.5 goals is the play here at 1.62, which is a decent price given both teams’ recent results and relative defensive solidity. This Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol betting tips section recommends considering the Under, given recent team trends.
Goals could be scarce in Bilbao
Pere Milla is Espanyol’s top scorer with five goals in 14 games and he has the ability to score from nothing and break the deadlock, which has been a common occurrence in the visitors’ recent wins. It’s unlikely to be a high-scoring game, but the Athletic Bilbao vs RCD Espanyol prediction points out that Athletic Bilbao should edge it and continue Espanyol’s winless run in their last two trips to San Mamés, which includes one Athletic win and one draw.
