The entire city of Bilbao was out for their Copa del Rey victory parade and although the fans will have sore heads the team will be out of three points and UCL participation next season.
Bilbao are 5th in La Liga with 56 points and are just 2 points behind Atletico Madrid in 4th. Overall form shows 16 wins, 8 draws and 6 defeats. Home form of 11 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat. Recent form reads 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Villarreal are 10th with 38 points and are safe from relegation but seemingly to far from European places. Overall, they have 10 wins, 8 draws and 12 defeats. Away form reads 5 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats. Recent form in all competitions is 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats.
Team news: Ruiz de Galarreta is suspended so misses this one, keeper Unai Simon returns though. Berchiche and Herrara are available also. For Villarreal Bailly, Terrats and Pino are out. Femenia and Moreno return from suspension.
Head-to-head statistics: 20 games – 9 wins Athletic Bilbao, 7 draws and 4 wins Villarreal.
Betting selection – Bilbao have not made UCL since 2014/5 and are desperate to do so this year. Villarreal are in good form but at San Mames and on the back of the wonderful cup parade they will surely be boosted and take the win. Athletic Bilao win at 3-4 or 1.75 Unibet.