Real Madrid will play at San Mames, one of the toughest stadiums in La Liga, on Saturday. Atheltic Bilbao

Real Madrid will play at San Mames, one of the toughest stadiums in La Liga, on Saturday. Atheltic Bilbao currently have 27 points and are very close to the European qualifying positions on the table. Joaquin Caparros' team is having a great season both in La Liga and in the Europa League thanks to combining elaborate tactics with a straightforward style. Athletic like to play down the wings and are lethal when one of their crosses into the box finds striker Llorente, their best player.

The Basque side likes to make fast transitions between defence and attack, always searching for Llorente. The team rarely keeps possession for long, always looking to play down the wings and reach its opponent's goal as soon as possible. Caparrros usually uses a 4-4-2 system that may change to a 4-2-3-1 depending on whether Lorrente is accompanied by Toquero in attack or if the coach decides to position another midfielder behind the striker (usuallly Javi Martinez or Yeste).

Goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz has become a strong asset and has earned the coach's full confidence, as he is reliable and hardly eccentric.

Athletic have problems in defence. Aitor Ocio has only played three games this season, so Amorebieta has had to assume leadership of the defending line. Young centre back Mikel San Jose has also had a chance to shine recently given the injuries sustained in defence. One of Bilbao's best players is right back Iraola; he is fast an helps out in attack whenever he gets a chance. His great quality allows him to play both as a right back and as a midfielder. The left back position is covered by Koikili, who doesn't attack as much.

Javi Martinez is the brains of Athletic in midfield. The Under-21 Spanish international is creative and makes steals. Besides distributing his team's game, he can be lethal from outside the box with his powerful shots on target. Martinez is the team's second top scorer with Toquero (3 goals each). Orbaiz and Gurpegui complete Bilbao's midfield, giving Martinez more freedom on the pitch. Susaeta, Yeste, De Marcos or Muniain usually play down the wings.

Athletic's game revolves around Fernando Llorente, an incredibly versatile and quality striker. Llorente has a powerful shot and he is excellent at finishing off efforts in attack. Toquero may play alongside him.