Estadio San Mamés Bilbao
Basque giants Athletic enjoyed a rare away win last weekend when they beat Almeria 3-1 in the Monday night offering. Scoring a goal each were Muniain and Toquero. Netting a stunning long range goal that the TV camera's nearly missed was Orbaiz. As I expect most of you know, an injury depleted Real Madrid (3/4) shockingly lost 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijon last weekend. That defeat was Jose Mourinho's first in a home league game for nine years.Los Blancos did beat Spurs 4-0 in the Champions League midweek but, as usual, failed to score anywhere near as many goals as they should have and were aided by Tottenham striker Peter Crouch's early dismissal. Gonzalo Higuain is back to help with the goals, but must score before I consider backing him.To conclude my assessment of the opening game in week 31: I'm hearing rumours that Real and Jose, having conceded the title will field a weakened team tonight. However true this may turn out to be, I just don't buy into Jose willingly conceding anything.