Barcelona will aim for their second consecutive win of the new La Liga season when they host Athletic Bilbao at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday night. With a packed schedule at the end of August, including matches against Rayo Vallecano and Real Valladolid, Barcelona will be looking to secure maximum points before the September international break.
Although the season is still in its early stages, Real Madrid’s dropped points on the opening weekend have been a positive sign for Barcelona, who will be vying for the title alongside Los Blancos this season.
The Red and Whites have retained Nico Williams for now but have seen several departures, including Dani Garcia and Iker Muniain. New signings include Alvaro Djalo and Andoni Gorosabel, with more expected before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club: Stats & Current Team Form
Hansi Flick’s team secured a 2-1 victory over Valencia in their season opener, while Athletic Bilbao began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Getafe. Barcelona fell behind 1-0 to Valencia when Hugo Duro scored in the 44th minute, but Robert Lewandowski’s goals on either side of halftime turned the game in Barcelona’s favor, giving Flick a winning start as head coach.
Athletic Bilbao’s campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Getafe, where Oihan Sancet’s first-half goal was canceled out by a goal from Getafe shortly after the break. To challenge for a top-four finish, Athletic needs to secure points in games like this against strong opponents.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club: Head-to-Head
Athletic last drew 0-0 with Barcelona in March and haven’t won away at Barcelona in La Liga since November 2001. The current statistics show us that it has not been a one-sided contest lately. In recent times, fans have witnessed score-lines such as 4-2 to Athletic Club (in Copa Del Rey) and also 1-0 to Barcelona in La Liga.
Team News and Starting Line-ups
Dani Olmo might make his Barcelona debut this weekend, potentially coming off the bench, with Pedri likely starting in the number 10 role. Young players Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal, and Lamine Yamal started against Valencia and are expected to feature again. Barcelona will be without four players due to injury: Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi. Andreas Christensen is also a slight doubt.
With Ilkay Gundogan having left for Manchester City, Fermin Lopez returns from his summer commitments with Spain. Nico Williams is expected to return to the Athletic lineup, possibly replacing Alex Berenguer.
Athletic’s current injury list includes Djalo, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Nico Serrano, Oscar de Marcos, Julen Agirrezabala, and Unai Simon, with Aitor Paredes a doubt due to a muscular issue. Mexican goalkeeper Alex Padilla, 20, is set to start again, and summer arrival Gorosabel will continue at right-back.
Barcelona Possible lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Bernal, Casado; Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Athletic Bilbao Possible lineup: Padilla; Gorosabel, Yeray, Vivian, Yuri; Prados, Vesga; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Guruzeta
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