Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz says there's never a good time to face Real Madrid.

Athletic meet Real this weekend.

"Playing against them is never easy whether it's early in the season or not," Aduriz said.

"It is clear that we are still adjusting as a team and we are all assimilating, but I am convinced that we will respond."

The Basque forward, who previously worked under current Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui reserved some praise for his former coach.

"I've been lucky to have worked with Lopetegui," he added.

"I think he is a great coach and the right one [for Real Madrid]."