Rafa Benitez takes his high-flying Real Madrid outfit to the San Mames on Wednesday evening to take on an Athletic Bilbao side suffering from severe domestic turbulence.

Form

The Basque outfit sent eyebrows skyward when they decimated FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup. But Ernesto Valverde's side, who have welcomed the arrival of Raul Garcia from Atletico Madrid, have found consistency elusive as they aim to replicate their creditable seventh place finish from last term. 

They have tasted defeat to both Eibar and, on Sunday evening, Villarreal since their league campaign commenced on August 23rd. And, though they have begun their Europa League campaign with a bang, Valverde must be wary of succumbing to their third defeat of the campaign when Real Madrid roll into town.

Los Blancos, helmed by the divisive Rafa Benitez, are yet to concede a goal this term but have yielded some questionable performances in the meantime. After disposing of Granada 9-1 last season, Benitez's side narrowly overcame the threat of the Nazaríes on Saturday afternoon. Sporting Gijon also earned a commendable point when the side from Madrid visited on matchday one.

But when Benitez's side have hit top gear, they're doubtless the most devastating outfit in the division. Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez grabbed two apiece when Real Betis were taken apart on matchday two and, when the murmurs regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's barren spell infront of goal began to amplify, the Portuguese responded in emphatic fashion by netting five of his side's six against Espanyol.

Previous meetings

The visitors on Wednesday evening have yet to taste victory in Bilbao's new home and will be conscious of the threat Valverde's side pose having lost in the corresponding fixture last season.

Madrid, however, have been historically successful in their trip to the Basque region having chalked up three victories in the last five visits.

Team news

Ander Iturraspe may make his return to action after injury. The midfielder was ruled out for three months after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season and will be seeking a swift return to action on Wednesday evening.

Madrid, meanwhile, will be without Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Danilo through injury. Expect Benitez to name an unchanged attacking trio from Saturday.

Pepe will likely partner Raphael Varane in central defence with Sergio Ramos still sidelined through a shoulder injury.

Probable line-ups

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Iraizoz; Iraola, Laporte, Exteita, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Rico; Gomez, Marcos, Susaeta; Aduriz.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Isco; Vazquez, Ronaldo, Benzema

Verdict

The visitors have been stringent defensively and are invariably menacing with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo spearheading the attack. Through Aduriz, Bilbao have a penchant for upsets and the San Mames is a cauldron of noise when the big boys visit. Valverde's side will threaten the Madrid rearguard, but Benitez's side will depart unscathed.

Prediction: Athletic Club 0-2 Real Madrid