It seems like you should add Bilbao to the list of title contenders this season. In conditions like this when the gap between several teams is very small, we cannot side with any team. Because surprises always happen in football and even though I am a Madrid fan, I still respect other teams like Bilbao, ATM and Barcelona who are currently able to shift the top position of the standings.
It seems quite difficult for Bilbalo to enter the competition for La Liga champions. Only if you look at the number of points, La Liga is quite a bit different, that's why there is an assumption like this. Only about 6 points, which is 2 matches, with Real Madrid who is in 3rd place. And indeed, Real Madrid also can't be held back because their performance is very inconsistent.
However, Bilbao, in the UEFA Europa League was quite unlucky this time. Instead of getting a win, they were actually defeated by AS Roma who were quite underestimated by many parties.
They got a red card and this made Roma's performance become more booster and ended in victory for Roma.