Athletic Club will host Real Madrid at Lezama on Saturday at 16:00, with both the table and the recent history between the sides giving the match extra weight. Athletic are fifth with 15 points, while Real Madrid sit second, seven points ahead, so the game offers the home side a chance to close the gap and keep their European hopes moving in the right direction.
For Sara Ortega, the meeting carries a more personal edge. She scored the only goal when Athletic beat Real Madrid 1-0 on 13 January at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, and she said it would be a dream to repeat that moment. With nine goals in 117 matches for the club, Ortega remains one of Athletic’s key figures and a natural focal point for a match of this size.
Why this match matters
Athletic arrive after a 2-0 loss to Costa Adeje Tenerife and amid the emotional aftermath of the Jesús de Miguel incident, but Ortega said the group is still in a strong competitive phase. She described the team as being in very good form and said playing at home should help them push for three points in front of their supporters.
She also framed the match as a useful measure of where Athletic stand. According to Ortega, it can show where the team is and what it can aim for, while also confirming that they have the squad to look upward and finish as high as possible in the standings. European qualification is the bigger target, and she went as far as to say that playing in the Champions League with Athletic would be a dream.
Ortega’s role in the Athletic setup
Ortega’s own words help explain why she is such an important piece for Víctor Martín’s side. She said Athletic are building a style of play based on possession, building from the back, rhythm, intensity and energy, and added that it suits her qualities well. After missing preseason because of injury, she said she is now at 100 percent and ready to contribute, whether she starts or comes off the bench.
She also praised Víctor Martín, saying the team are very happy with him and that he trusts her to be brave, take responsibility and give everything for the side. With Athletic trying to keep momentum and Real Madrid coming in as the higher-ranked team, Ortega’s experience and confidence could once again be central to the result.
Saturday’s match is not just another league fixture. It is a chance for Athletic Club to test themselves against a direct rival, for Sara Ortega to revisit the scene of her decisive goal, and for both teams to show where they stand as the season moves forward.
