The Copa del Rey continues this week, as the round of 32 gets underway. Athletic Bilbao will be among the front-runners to make a charge for the prestigious Spanish honour this season, but they face another stern challenge against lower league opposition as they come up against Eldense.
Copa del Rey Preview
Athletic Bilbao are among the most successful teams in the history of the Copa del Rey, but they are yet to add to their 23 honours since the 1983-84 season. However, they have showed their prowess in this competition in recent seasons, having finished as the runners-up on two occasions in the previous three.
Bilbao has played twice since domestic action resumed in Spain, with one of their matches coming in the Copa del Rey. However, they didn’t have things their own way in that second round tie, as only one goal separated the sides. The winner was scored after just half an hour by Raul Garcia, but Sestao had their chances in the second period, but were unable to take them.
Eldense will likely put up another big test, as they have been in great form in the Primera Federacion Group 2 throughout the season. They currently sit top of the standings in the league, as they have won nine of the 17 games that they have played. Meanwhile, they have conceded just 13 goals so far this season.
The Spanish side managed to reach the round of 32 after seeing off Burgos in the previous round. The crucial moment of the game was an own goal scored on the stroke of half time. However, this is the first time since the 1987-88 season that they have managed to make it through to the round of 32.
Eldense vs Athletic Bilbao Head to Head
This will be the first time that the two sides have squared off. However, Eldense did beat Sestao, who Bilbao knocked off in the previous round, in the Segunda Div B playoffs last season.
Eldense vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
This will be another interesting test for Bilbao quickly after the restart of domestic action in Spain. However, it is hard to look past the top-flight team, and we could see them claiming a comfortable 2-0 win on the road.
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