Barcelona return to Camp Nou for the first time in two years on Saturday, 22nd November, setting the stage for a compelling clash with Athletic Club Bilbao.
Hansi Flick’s team sit second in the La Liga table with 28 points, and a win would put them level on points with Real Madrid – a real incentive as they look to keep up the pace near the top of the table.
Team form
This game is more than just a homecoming for Barca, as Athletic have shown plenty of bite so far this season.
Barcelona have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning nine, losing two and drawing one. They opened their campaign unbeaten in their first seven matches, highlighted by a ruthless 6-0 battering of Valencia, before slipping up with a heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla and then a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid three weeks later.
Despite the losses, they have still been the league’s most powerful attacking side, scoring 32 goals in total. However, their defence has been shakier with 15 goals conceded.
Bilbao’s form has been less predictable, and with five wins, five losses, and two draws, they sit seventh on 17 points. They began well with three straight victories over Sevilla, Rayo and Betis, but then failed to pick up three points for the next four games.
While they haven’t maintained the early momentum, they have remained competitive and difficult to break down. They have conceded 13 goals, a slightly better record than Barcelona, but their attack has struggled, managing to find the back of the net just 12 times.
Head-to-head
The recent meetings between these two sides show just how tough this fixture has been for Los Leones. Their last win over Barca came in the Copa del Rey quarter-final in 2024, a dramatic tie that went to extra time before Bilbao won 4-2, part of the same cup run that ended with them lifting the trophy.
But in the league, it’s been a different story, as Bilbao have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since the 2021/22 season.
Looking at the bigger picture, Barcelona have dominated the matchup. Of the last 50 clashes in all competitions, they’ve won 32, with Bilbao taking eight, and 10 ending in draws.
It’s a rivalry with a rich history, but one where Barcelona has held the edge for quite some time.
Team news
Barcelona come into the game with several important absences to manage. Lamine Yamal was released from international duty after a disagreement over the treatment of his groin issue, and although he has returned to training, he is unlikely to feature on Saturday.
Frenkie de Jong is suspended following his red card against Celta, while Marc Casado misses out with a thigh injury.
Flick has been given a boost, though, with Joan Garcia expected to return after the break. Pedri’s recovery from his muscle injury has progressed far quicker than expected, and is targeting a comeback in Tuesday’s Champions League match against Chelsea. However, it is still unclear whether he will be ready in time for the weekend.
Ernesto Valverde has even more problems to contend with, as numerous players from his Bilbao side will be absent. Unai Simon is out with a foot injury, while a muscle issue sidelines Nico Williams. Inaki Williams (groin), Oihan Sancet (leg), and Maroan Sannadi (knee) will also be unavailable, adding to the team’s attacking concerns.
Inigo Lekue remains suspended after a recent red card, and Yeray Alvarez is still serving a disciplinary sanction following a doping case.
Key stats:
Barcelona score an average of 2.7 goals per game, while Bilbao only score one
Bilbao have a lower average of goals conceded than Barcelona (1.1 compared to 1.3)
Robert Lewandowski is tied for the second-most goals this season with seven
Marcus Rashford has the most assists in the league this season with six
Barcelona have an average of 8.1 shots on target per game
Prediction
On paper, Barcelona look to be the stronger side, and their attacking form should give them the edge, especially with the lift of returning to Camp Nou.
Bilbao’s energy, organisation, and slightly better defensive record will keep them competitive, but with key players missing, it’s hard to see them holding out for 90 minutes. A tight Barcelona win feels the most realistic outcome.
