Overview
Barcelona will return to Camp Nou for the first time in 909 days, after having to compete throughout the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to carry out a 1.5 billion Euro reconstruction project.
The renovation progress is slower than expected, and the stadium is currently only open with a limited capacity of 45,000 seats, less than half of the 105,000 seats when the project is completed.
Under the leadership of Hansi Flick, Barcelona is currently ranked second in the La Liga rankings, with 28 points, 3 points behind Real Madrid. After 9 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, they have scored 32 goals - the highest in the league. However, the Blaugrana have also conceded 15 goals, showing that problems still exist in defence.
Despite the absence of Raphinha and some attacking pillars, Barcelona still maintained their strength in the final third of the field. Their attack promises to be even more explosive when the players return to full fitness. However, the defense is still a concern, as Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet in the last 10 matches.
However, Flick's side have lost just one of their last five games in all competitions and are entering the game following a dramatic 4-2 win over Celta Vigo.
Traditionally, Barcelona has always dominated the confrontations with Athletic Bilbao, winning all three of their most recent meetings. In the previous ten encounters, the Basque team only defeated Barcelona twice, both in the Copa del Rey and after extra time.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao is seventh in La Liga with 5 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, bringing home 17 points.
Under the leadership of Ernesto Valverde, the Basque team avoided their fourth consecutive loss last weekend thanks to a 1-0 victory over Real Oviedo. However, overall, their form in the tournament is still quite unstable.
In the last 5 matches, Bilbao has only scored 6 goals and kept a clean sheet once. In addition, they will have to play without the support of fans, after Barcelona announced a limit on the field for safety reasons.
With an 8-point gap behind the group participating in the European Cup, Bilbao understands that they are not allowed to stumble any more matches.
Personnel situation
Barcelona are still facing injury problems, although some key players have gradually recovered.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) and Pedri (hammock) are still unable to play, but Raphinha has recovered and can return. Joan Garcia is expected to start after recovering from a knee injury, while Andreas Christensen is also available.
Frenkie de Jong will be absent due to a second yellow card in the match against Celta Vigo, opening up an opportunity for Marc Casado if he is confirmed to be completely recovered. Eric Garcia will continue to wear a protective mask after a broken nose, while Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are both available.
Athletic Bilbao also suffered personnel losses. Inaki Williams and Unai Eguiluz are still sidelined, while Maroan Sannadi is out. Benat Prados has also missed the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.
Oihan Sancet is leaving open the possibility of playing despite returning to training, while Yeray Alvarez is suspended for a long time. However, Nico Williams - who scored against Oviedo - will be able to return after completing the normal training process.
Expected lineup:
Barcelona: J. Garcia, E. 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.
The match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao takes place at 10:15 p.m. on November 22 (Vietnam time).
