Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao form
Taking advantage of Real Madrid's goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano in the last round, Barcelona defeated host Celta Vigo 4-2, thereby narrowing the gap with the top spot held by arch-rivals Madrid to 3 points.
This weekend, in addition to the task of defeating Athletic Bilbao to maintain the heat on the two-horse race with Real, coach Hansi Flick and his team also really want to win to celebrate a special milestone. After 909 days of renovation and upgrading, the "stage" Camp Nou officially returns.
Although it has only temporarily opened with 45,000 seats, less than half of the total 105,000 seats when the project is officially completed, the atmosphere will certainly be bustling. Previously, in the last two seasons, 2023/24 and 2024/25, Barca had to play temporarily at the Olympic Lluis Companys stadium.
But overall, Barcelona's ability to take advantage of home field advantage is still very good. In 7 times hosting guests since the beginning of the season, Lamine Yamal and his teammates have won 6 and lost only 1 (1-2 against PSG in the Champions League qualifying round). With their current poor form, Athletic Bilbao could very well become the next victim of the home team.
Having to compete in the Champions League seems to have significantly affected the away team's performance. After 12 rounds in La Liga, the team under the direction of coach Ernesto Valverde has only won 5, drawn 2 and lost 5, ranking 7th, 8 points behind the top 4.
Poor away form is one of the important reasons. After 5 away trips since the beginning of the season, the Basque team has only won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3. If counting away trips in the Champions League, Bilbao are going through a series of 6 matches without knowing the taste of victory, earning only 1 point.
Obviously without support, the hot atmosphere at San Mames, Athletic Bilbao became weak. The away team itself also showed this forgettable character in visits to Barcelona's home.
In the last 25 visits to the Catalan giants, Athletic Bilbao have never enjoyed the joy of victory, losing 23 and drawing 2. There are too many signs against Valverde and his team and it would not be surprising if they once again had to return empty-handed.
Team information Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona: Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and midfielder Pedri are both injured. While Frenkie de Jong is also out due to suspension.
Athletic Bilbao: Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Inaki Williams, Yeray Alvarez and Unai Eguiluz will be notable absentees for the visitors.
Expected lineup Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona: J. Garcia; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Berchiche, Laporte, Vivian, Gorosabel; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; N. Williams, Sanchez, Berenguer; Guruzeta
Prediction: 3-1
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-barcelona-vs-athletic-bilbao-22h15-ngay-2211-ngay-tro-lai-camp-nou-183065.html
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