Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao preview - Rico wants more Bilbao fight

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Mikel Rico admits his side will need to show bravery if they are to overcome a miserable recent record against Real Madrid and get something out of this weekend's trip to the capital.

At least one 100 per cent record in the new Primera Division season will disappear at the Bernabeu with Madrid and Athletic two of five sides - the others being Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal - to have won both their opening two matches.

All signs point to it being Athletic who will lose that perfect record, with Madrid proving themselves almost untouchable at home in recent seasons - especially against the Basque outfit.

Madrid have won their last 12 league matches at the Bernabeu while the last time they tasted defeat in a Primera Division fixture in front of their own fans was against Barcelona back in 2011.

Perhaps more importantly though, Madrid boast a staggering record against Athletic in the last few years, winning 17 of 18 league and cup clashes between the two since the Basque outfit completed the double over Real in the 2004/05 campaign.

To make matters worse for Athletic, Madrid have won this corresponding fixture 5-1, 4-1, 5-1 and 5-1 in the last four seasons.

It is looking grim for Athletic, but their new signing Rico insists the team must show courage.

"To get something positive from the Bernabeu, Athletic must be brave," said the summer arrival from Granada, who believes his side can still do better despite starting with victories over Real Valladolid and Osasuna.

"You can always improve, even if you win. We need to try and be better every day."

Rico, who is waiting to make his Athletic debut, is not expecting anything different from Madrid even though they are under a new coach in Carlo Ancelotti and has stressed the importance of making every chance count against the nine-time European champions.

"Madrid are similar to other years, they cause you a lot of damage when they are in control of the game and even when they aren't," he added.

"When you play against teams like this, if you have three or four chances you need to score from them."

Athletic go into the match having this week rejected an offer for their midfielder Ander Herrera from Manchester United, but with the transfer window closing on Monday, that may not be the end of the matter.

Madrid, who have yet to finalise the arrival of Tottenham's Wales star Gareth Bale, might also see one of their playmakers leave before the deadline, with Kaka on Thursday announcing his desire to quit Madrid - fours years after joining for B£56million.

The Brazil international said after scoring twice for Madrid in their 4-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna in the Trofeo Teresa Herrera: "I want to go.

"I think now is the right time for me and for the club to leave amicably. I've spoken with Ancelotti and with the club, they all know.

"My father is talking now with the club to try and resolve this situation."