Sofia Quijada
RCD Espanyol hosts Athletic Bilbao at the RCDE Stadium on May 13th, 2026, in a match that could heavily impact the bottom half of La Liga’s table. Both sides sit just five points apart, with Espanyol fighting to escape relegation and Bilbao seeking a top-half finish. The bookmakers’ odds reflect the tightness: Espanyol’s 36% win probability edges Bilbao’s 35%, suggesting no clear favorite. Gorka Guruzeta stands out for Athletic Bilbao, having netted 3 goals in the last 5 matches, while Tyrhys Dolan remains Espanyol’s most effective forward in a struggling attack.
Hot stat: Athletic Bilbao attempted 60 total shots in their last five matches, nearly 20% more than Espanyol, underlining a sharper offensive approach.
| 🏆 Tournament: | La Liga 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | RCDE Stadium, Cornella |
| 🗓️ Date: | 13.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:00 CEST |
RCD Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
We predict Athletic Bilbao will avoid defeat, with the value lying in a draw or Bilbao double chance. Espanyol’s 0% win rate in their last 18 games and a solitary goal in their last five home matches signal a blunt attack, while Athletic’s sharper frontline and recent 4-2 win over Alavés point to better finishing. Espanyol’s 13 yellow cards in five games point to a physical style but also a lack of composure, while Bilbao’s eight yellow cards and 44 corners in five matches show a more balanced, attacking-minded approach. Both teams favor the 4-2-3-1 formation, but Bilbao’s pass accuracy (1745/2123, about 82%) gives them a clear technical edge. We predict a tight encounter, possibly low scoring, and lean toward BTTS: No.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw or Athletic Bilbao double chance |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
RCD Espanyol’s recent results highlight deep struggles. In their last match, a 1-2 home loss to Sevilla, Espanyol showed some fight but lacked attacking quality. The team managed only a single goal in the last five games and failed to score in three. Pass completion fell below 75%, and the side committed 63 fouls in those games. The defensive line appears overworked, with high interception numbers but low efficiency in transition.
Athletic Bilbao, by contrast, have shown inconsistent but more potent form. Their latest result, a narrow 0-1 home defeat to Valencia, saw Bilbao dominate possession but miss clear chances. The previous 4-2 win against Alavés demonstrated offensive firepower, with Guruzeta and Nicholas Williams both getting on the scoresheet. Bilbao’s 8 yellow cards in five matches point to disciplined aggression, and their corner count (44) signals sustained attacking pressure.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | RCD Espanyol | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 51 | 60 |
| Free kicks | 7 | 4 |
| Corner kicks | 20 | 44 |
| Total fouls | 63 | 61 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 74% | 82% |
| Interceptions | 38 | 46 |
| Offsides | 7 | 4 |
🚨Check out our dedicated RCD Espanyol vs Athletic Bilbao stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: RCD Espanyol the favourite
- Moneyline RCD Espanyol 2.75 | Athletic Bilbao 2.87
- Draw 3.29
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.35 | Under 2.5 1.52
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.05 | No 1.67
Bookmakers offer nearly even odds, with Espanyol a marginal favorite due to home advantage. Draw odds at 3.29 attract, given Espanyol’s inability to finish games and Bilbao’s streaky form. The under 2.5 goals market at 1.52 makes sense given both sides’ lack of consistent goal output. BTTS: No offers value at 1.67, especially with Espanyol’s scoring issues. The odds reflect the uncertainty, but TipsGG punters see Bilbao’s edge in attacking stats and technical play as the difference-maker.
Possible Starting Lineups
RCD Espanyol possible starting eleven
- GK: Marko Dmitrović
- DF: Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Omar El Hilali, Carlos Romero
- MF: Eduardo Expósito Jaén, Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano, Ramón Terrats
- FW: Tyrhys Dolan, Kike García
We expect a 4-2-3-1 formation, sticking to recent matches. Dmitrović remains reliable in goal, while Calero and Cabrera anchor the back line. Expósito and Gonzalez offer work rate but little creativity, so Dolan’s direct play and Garcia’s experience become crucial. Watch for Dolan’s runs behind the defense, as he leads the team in shots and the only goal in recent games.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting eleven
- GK: Unai Simon
- DF: Andoni Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Daniel Vivian, Yuri Berchiche
- MF: Oihan Sancet, Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar
- FW: Nicholas Williams, Gorka Guruzeta, Alex Berenguer
Athletic Bilbao should deploy their trusted 4-2-3-1, with Simon as a safe pair of hands in goal. Vivian and Yeray provide defensive solidity, Berchiche supports on the left. Sancet and De Galarreta move the ball well in midfield. Guruzeta and Williams lead the attack; Guruzeta is the in-form scorer, while Williams’ pace and dribbling threaten Espanyol’s static defense. Expect plenty of crosses and a high corner count.
🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅
- Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
- Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
- Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.
Athletic Bilbao. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
TipsGG punters predict Athletic Bilbao will avoid defeat at RCDE Stadium, with the best value on double chance or the draw. Espanyol’s scoring drought, high foul count, and disciplinary issues undermine their home advantage. Athletic’s higher attacking volume, passing accuracy, and sharper recent results give them the edge. Expect a tight, hard-fought contest decided by Bilbao’s superior forward quality and technical discipline.
