Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao Prediction, Betting Tips

The UEFA Europa League is heating up, and one of the most exciting fixtures on the horizon is the clash between AS Roma and Athletic Bilbao on March 6, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a savvy bettor looking to cash in, this match promises drama, goals, and plenty of betting opportunities. In this in-depth article, we’ll break down everything you need to know: Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao predictions, expert betting tips, detailed analysis, current betting odds, and key stats to guide your wagers. Let’s dive into the action at the Stadio Olimpico and see what’s in store!

Overview of Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao

Roma and Athletic Bilbao are no strangers to European competition, and their meeting in the Europa League Round of 16 is a blockbuster showdown. Roma, under new management with Ivan Juric, have turned their season around after a shaky start, while Athletic Bilbao, led by the seasoned Ernesto Valverde, are riding high in La Liga and showing their attacking flair. This first-leg encounter in Rome is crucial for both sides as they aim to secure an advantage before the return leg in Bilbao.

So, what can we expect? Will Roma’s home dominance shine through, or will Athletic Bilbao’s Basque grit steal the show? Let’s unpack the predictions, stats, and betting tips to find out.

Prediction

Roma’s Resurgence Under Ivan Juric

Roma’s 2024/25 season started with turbulence. The sacking of club legend Daniele De Rossi after just four Serie A games left fans stunned, but Ivan Juric’s arrival has injected new life into the Giallorossi. A 3-0 thrashing of Udinese in September marked the turning point, and since then, Roma have been on a roll. As of March 2025, they’ve won their last four matches across all competitions, including a Europa League play-off victory over Porto.

Playing at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma are a force. They’ve won nine of their last ten home games, scoring freely and keeping clean sheets in key moments. With attacking stars like Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala firing on all cylinders, Roma are favored to take a lead in this first leg. Our prediction? Roma to win 2-1, leveraging their home advantage and attacking depth.

Athletic Bilbao’s Basque Brilliance

Athletic Bilbao, affectionately known as “Los Leones” (The Lions), have been roaring this season. Sitting fourth in La Liga and fresh off a second-place finish in the Europa League league phase, they’re in scintillating form. With six wins from eight matches in the group stage, Bilbao have shown they can compete with Europe’s best.

Their attacking trio of Inaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta, and the electric Nico Williams (if fit) poses a real threat. However, their away form in Europe has been patchy, with seven points from twelve on the road in the league phase. Despite this, Bilbao’s knack for scoring on their travels—three out of four away games saw both teams score—suggests they could nick a goal in Rome. A 1-1 draw wouldn’t be a shock, but we’re leaning toward Roma’s home strength tipping the scales.

Head-to-Head History

These two sides met earlier this season in the Europa League league phase on September 26, 2024, and it ended in a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma took the lead through Dovbyk, but Inaki Williams equalized for Bilbao. Their only other encounter, a 2019 friendly, also finished 2-2. History points to a tight, goal-filled contest—perfect for bettors eyeing markets like Both Teams to Score (BTTS).

Betting Tips Analysis

Betting on Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao offers a treasure trove of options. Here’s our expert analysis of the best markets, backed by stats and trends.

1. Roma to Win (1X2 Market)

• Odds: Around 2.10 (check your bookmaker for the latest)
• Why It’s a Good Bet: Roma’s home record is stellar—nine wins in their last ten at the Olimpico. Bilbao, while strong, have struggled in big away European ties, losing 4-1 to Besiktas earlier this season. Juric’s tactical nous should see Roma edge this one.

2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes

• Odds: Approximately 1.80
• Why It’s a Good Bet: Three of Bilbao’s four Europa League away games this season saw both teams score, and Roma have conceded in three of their last five home matches. With attacking talents like Dybala and Guruzeta on the pitch, expect fireworks.

3. Over 2.5 Goals

• Odds: Around 2.00
• Why It’s a Good Bet: Roma’s last four home Europa League games produced ten goals, while Bilbao’s recent form (eight goals in three La Liga matches) suggests an open game. Their previous meeting this season had two goals, and this one could go higher.

4. Paulo Dybala to Score Anytime

• Odds: Approximately 2.50
• Why It’s a Good Bet: Dybala has been in top form, scoring twice against Porto in the play-offs and netting regularly in Serie A. Against a Bilbao defense missing key players like Yuri Berchiche, he’s a prime candidate to find the net.

5. Athletic Bilbao Double Chance (1X2 – X2)

• Odds: Around 1.70
• Why It’s a Good Bet: If you’re cautious, Bilbao’s resilience makes this a solid pick. They’ve lost just once in their last six games across all competitions and could grind out a draw in Rome.

Betting Odds Tips

Betting odds fluctuate, so timing your wager is key. Here’s a snapshot of typical odds as of early March 2025 (always verify with your bookmaker):

• Roma Win: 2.10
• Draw: 3.40
• Athletic Bilbao Win: 3.50
• BTTS – Yes: 1.80
• Over 2.5 Goals: 2.00
• Under 2.5 Goals: 1.85

Top Tips for Betting Success

1. Shop Around: Odds vary between bookmakers. Use comparison sites to snag the best value.
2. Cash Out Option: If the game’s swinging Bilbao’s way late on, consider cashing out to lock in profit or minimize losses.
3. Live Betting: This match could see early goals. Watch the first 15 minutes and jump into in-play markets like “Next Goal” or “Corners Over.”

Stats Breakdown: Numbers That Matter

Stats are the backbone of any solid prediction. Let’s dig into the numbers driving Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao.

Roma Stats

• Home Form: Won 9 of their last 10 home games (all competitions).
• Europa League Home Record: 4 straight wins, scoring 10 goals.
• Goals Scored: Averaging 1.8 goals per game in Serie A this season.
• Defensive Record: Conceded in 3 of their last 5 home matches.
• Key Player: Artem Dovbyk – 7 goals in Serie A, 2 in Europa League.

Athletic Bilbao Stats

• Away Form: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss in their last 5 away games (all competitions).
• Europa League Away Record: 7 points from 12, with BTTS in 3 of 4 games.
• Goals Scored: Averaging 1.6 goals per game in La Liga.
• Defensive Record: Conceded in 3 of their 4 Europa League away matches.
• Key Player: Gorka Guruzeta – 6 goals in La Liga, 2 in Europa League.

Head-to-Head Stats

• September 2024: Roma 1-1 Athletic Bilbao (Europa League).
• August 2019: Roma 2-2 Athletic Bilbao (Friendly).
• Trend: Both competitive and friendly meetings saw goals from both sides.

Team News and Lineups: Who’s Playing?

Roma

Juric has turned Roma into a high-pressing, attacking unit. Their recent 2-1 win over Como showcased their resilience, with Dybala and Dovbyk leading the line. However, injuries could play a role:

• Out: Alexis Saelemaekers (ankle), Enzo Le Fee (knee).
• Doubtful: Lorenzo Pellegrini (knock).
• Predicted Lineup: Svilar (GK), Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino, Cristante, Kone, El Shaarawy, Dybala, Baldanzi, Dovbyk.

Athletic Bilbao

Valverde’s side blends youth and experience, but injuries have hit hard:

• Out: Unai Simon (wrist), Yuri Berchiche (hamstring), Yeray Alvarez (knee).
• Doubtful: Nico Williams (fitness test pending), Julen Agirrezabala (knock).
• Predicted Lineup: Padilla (GK), De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro, Prados, Sancet, Jauregizar, I. Williams, Berenguer, Guruzeta.

Why This Match Matters for Bettors and Fans

For bettors, Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao is a goldmine. The clash of styles—Roma’s home dominance vs. Bilbao’s counter-attacking threat—creates a unpredictable yet rewarding betting landscape. For fans, it’s a chance to see two historic clubs battle for a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at the Olimpico will be electric.

Final Prediction

After crunching the numbers and analyzing the form, here’s our final call:

• Score Prediction: Roma 2-1 Athletic Bilbao
• Best Bet: Roma to Win + BTTS (Yes) at around 4.00 odds (check your bookmaker).

Roma’s home prowess should give them the edge, but Bilbao’s attacking threat ensures they won’t go down without a fight. This bet combines value and likelihood, making it a standout pick.

Conclusion

The Roma vs. Athletic Bilbao clash on March 6, 2025, is set to be a Europa League classic. With Roma’s resurgence and Bilbao’s flair, expect goals, drama, and plenty of betting action. Whether you’re backing Roma to win, eyeing a BTTS punt, or banking on a star like Dybala to shine, this match has it all. Use our predictions, tips, and stats to inform your bets, and may the odds be ever in your favor!