Barcelona vs Athletic Club Match Preview
Barcelona return to the field for the first time in over two years on Saturday evening, as the Camp Nou finally reopens its doors for matchday 13 of La Liga.
The long-awaited return comes after a lengthy and often complicated €1.5 billion redevelopment, and although the stadium remains far from complete, the occasion marks a symbolic moment for the club and its supporters.
Hansi Flick’s team returns to second place in the standings with 28 points, three behind Real Madrid. Their attacking numbers remain solid – 32 goals scored is the highest total in the league – but the 15 conceded underlines the defensive hesitation that has followed them throughout the campaign.
They have gone 10 matches without a clean sheet, with their last clean sheet coming against Getafe in September, but they go into this match buoyed by a spirited 4-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Historical trends lean heavily in favor of the Catalans. Barcelona have beaten Athletic Club in the last three league meetings, and in the previous ten meetings the Basques have only won twice – both Copa del Rey matches settled after extra time.
Athletic travel to Catalonia seventh with 17 points, ending a run of three consecutive defeats with their narrow victory against Real Oviedo.
Ernesto Valverde’s side have shown flashes of quality but still lack consistency, scoring six times in their last five league outings while keeping just one clean sheet.
They are also making the trip without traveling fans, as Barcelona have blocked visiting fans for security reasons.
Team news for Barcelona vs Athletic Club
Barcelona’s injury list remains long, although a few key players are close to being fully available. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) and Pedri (hamstring) are still out, but Raphinha has returned to training and could come off the bench.
Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal after recovering from a knee problem, while Andreas Christensen is also fit again. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is suspended following his exclusion against Celta, which could open the door for Marc Casado if he is allowed to play.
Eric Garcia will continue to wear a protective mask, with Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both set to start.
Athletic Club arrives without Inaki Williams and Unai Eguiluz, who remain unavailable. Maroan Sannadi is still out and Benat Prados has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury.
Oihan Sancet is back in training but remains a major doubt, while Yeray Alvarez continues his long suspension. Nico Williams, however, returned with a goal against Oviedo and should be involved again.
Expected line-ups for Barcelona against Athletic Club
Barcelona: J.Garcia; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Baldé; Casado, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
Athletics club: Simon; Berchiche, Laporte, Vivian, Gorosabel; Palace, Ruiz de Galarreta; N. Williams, Sánchez, Berenguer; the cross
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Club: TV channel, online streaming
The match kicks off at 3:15 p.m. GMT and can be watched on La Liga TV or Premier Sports Player.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club match statistics
- Barcelona returns to Camp Nou for the first time in 909 days
- Restricted capacity at reopening: 45,000 places
- Barcelona scored 32 goals, a league record
- They have conceded in 10 consecutive matches
- Athletic have won twice in their last 10 meetings with Barcelona (both in the Copa del Rey, both after extra time)
- Athletic have kept a clean sheet in their last five league matches
Prediction
Barcelona
3
–
1
Athletics club
The atmosphere surrounding Barcelona’s return to the Camp Nou should provide Flick’s side with added spark, particularly in the attacking areas. Athletic have shown improvements in spells but remain unpredictable and are missing several important players. Barcelona’s firepower should be enough to secure a comfortable home victory.
Bet here
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