Barcelona Face Athletic Club: Everything You Need to Know Before the Showdown

Barcelona return to action on Thursday evening as they welcome Athletic Club to Camp Nou for their first home fixture of the 2026–27 campaign.

The defending Spanish champions kicked off their title defense with a ruthless 5–0 thrashing of Elche over the weekend. Despite Barcelona's commanding display, it was equally clear that the squad still has significant room to grow once Hansi Flick can field his best XI — a daunting prospect for the rest of La Liga.

Athletic Club endured a 3–1 loss to Sevilla in their season opener, a result heavily influenced by Yuri Berchiche's red card just 11 minutes in. Following a disappointing 2025–26 campaign, this was far from the ideal beginning to the Edin Terzić era at San Mamés.

Barcelona have comfortably handled Athletic Club since the Hansi Flick era began, and they will be keen to extend that run as they make their much-anticipated 2026–27 home debut.

Barcelona vs. Athletic Club Score Prediction

Barça Cruise to Victorious Home Opener

Athletic Club present a greater challenge than Elche given the quality of individual talent the Basque side possesses. Nevertheless, Barcelona hold a commanding advantage across all areas of the pitch and will be further driven by the significance of their home opener.

While Barcelona's squad remains incomplete without a natural striker, Flick's attacking unit continues to look dangerous, as demonstrated against Elche where they carved out chances at will — prompting many to question whether a new center forward is even necessary.

Barça are well-positioned to neutralize Athletic's key threats and, up against a vulnerable defensive line, the clinical Blaugrana attack could run riot once again, driving the team toward consecutive victories.

Prediction: Barcelona 3–1 Athletic Club

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club

Barcelona remain without Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, both of whom are set to be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to knee injuries.

Gavi was fortunate to escape serious harm against Elche, but Flick confirmed the midfielder will be out for at least a week. Pedri is expected to start having come on as a substitute last time out, and the German manager indicated Rodri could be in contention to make his Barça debut.

Raphinha led the line against Elche with Karim Adeyemi on his left, but Flick may continue to rotate his attack. Anthony Gordon, who featured as a striker during his substitute appearance against Elche, could be handed his first start in that role, with the Brazilian and Lamine Yamal providing width on either side.

Andreas Christensen performed solidly at the heart of defense on Sunday, but Pau Cubarsí may reclaim his regular starting berth, replacing the Dane and forming a partnership with Gerard Martín. Alejandro Balde is set to return to the squad, though Xavi Espart could be handed another opportunity at left back on Thursday.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Gordon

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Terzić must navigate a significant injury list, with Dani Vivian, Unai Egiluz, and Beñat Prados all sidelined and Berchiche serving a suspension. Fullback Andoni Gorosabel and forward Maroan Sannadi are both subject to late fitness assessments ahead of the match.

On a positive note for Athletic Club, Aymeric Laporte could be in line for his first start of the season following an impressive World Cup showing, likely partnering the seasoned Yeray Álvarez. Unai Simón endured a difficult season opener but will be hoping to rediscover his World Cup form against Barça.

Nico Williams is expected to start on the left flank after overcoming persistent injury concerns. The threatening Oihan Sancet will operate in the No. 10 position, while Iñaki Williams could earn the nod on the right ahead of Alex Berenguer.

Veteran Athletic Club striker Gorka Guruzeta is set to lead the attack on Thursday night.

Athletic Club Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Álvarez, Laporte, Boiro; Jauregizar, Canales; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta

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