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Barcelona host Athletic Club at Camp Nou for their 2026–27 home debut on Thursday evening, aiming to secure back-to-back victories to open the new campaign.
The Catalan side picked up exactly where they left off last season, thrashing Elche 5–0 at the weekend to kick off their title defense in impressive fashion. Even without their strongest available squad, Barcelona were clinical and demonstrated their champion-level quality, sending a clear message to the rest of La Liga.
Hansi Flick wisely managed several key starters who had minimal or no preseason preparation after returning from World Cup commitments. However, with additional training days under their belts and injuries mounting—Gavi being the latest addition to the treatment room—Flick may be able to name a starting XI that more closely resembles Barcelona at full capacity.
The most intriguing prospect? Flick hinted that Rodri could make his Barcelona debut in the match against Athletic Club.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club
GK: Joan García—La Liga's 2025–26 Zamora Trophy recipient kept a clean sheet in his first appearance of the season against Elche and will be determined to record another in Barça's home opener.
RB: Eric García—Firmly established as Barcelona's first-choice right back ahead of Jules Koundé, García is aiming to build on the finest season of his career with an even stronger 2026–27 campaign.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The standout young talent of the 2026 World Cup will look to carry his international form into club football when he makes his seasonal debut. He is the leading candidate for the Kopa Trophy.
CB: Gerard Martín—Barcelona's decision not to pursue a center back this summer reflects the confidence Flick places in the former fullback Martín. He appears set to serve as Cubarsí's primary defensive partner throughout the season.
LB: Xavi Espart—The natural right back made a strong impression during preseason and delivered an excellent performance at left back in Barça's season opener. With João Cancelo still finding his footing after a drawn-out transfer saga and Alejandro Balde's uncertain situation, Espart could retain his spot in the XI on Thursday.
CM: Marc Bernal—The teenage midfielder possesses every attribute needed to develop into a world-class all-rounder and, until Rodri reaches full fitness, he will continue to serve as Barça's defensive anchor.
CM: Pedri—After a disappointing World Cup, Pedri showed flashes of his finest form during a 45-minute substitute appearance against Elche, capped by a stunning pass that set up Barça's fifth goal. Perhaps the platinum blonde hair was all he needed to rediscover his best.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Something still seems amiss with Yamal, who has yet to recapture the level he displayed before suffering a hamstring tear in April. Nevertheless, Flick remains confident the teenager will bounce back following a below-par season debut.
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AM: Fermín López—López channeled the disappointment of missing the World Cup through injury into a two-goal performance on his season debut. Dani Olmo was outstanding for Spain this summer, but breaking into the starting lineup will be difficult while López continues his steady rise.
LW: Raphinha—The 2024–25 version of Raphinha made a welcome return against Elche. Barcelona's skipper remains highly productive, and if he can avoid the injury troubles that hampered him last season, he stands a strong chance of matching his Ballon d'Or-caliber debut campaign under Flick.
ST: Anthony Gordon—The England international marked his official Barça debut by registering two assists within the first five minutes of his cameo appearance. His capacity to stretch backlines as a false nine already yielded results, and he could be handed a starting role against Athletic Club.