Barcelona have won each of their last three meetings with Athletic Club, winning seven of their last nine encounters overall. Athletic's most-recent victory over Barça in Catalonia came in 2001.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao preview
For the first time in 909 days, Barcelona are back at Camp Nou. Since May 2023, Barça have been forced to play their home matches at Montjuïc, as well as a couple at their tiny training venue Estadi Johan Cruyff back in September, but Camp Nou is once again ready to open its doors, albeit with a limited capacity of 45,401, with construction work far from complete.
On the pitch, Hansi Flick's side propelled themselves back into the La Liga title race on a potentially key Sunday before the international break. After Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas, Barça beat Celta Vigo 4-2 at Balaídos. Robert Lewandowski bagged a hat-trick, while Lamine Yamal was also on target in a crazy victory in Vigo.
When Barça were beaten 2-1 at the Bernabéu in last month's Clásico, many were anointing Real Madrid champions already, but that was certainly premature, given that Barcelona will join the leaders on 31 points, should they win this one, ahead of los Blancos' visit to Elche on Sunday night. It will be an emotional day in the Camp Nou stands, so will the home side claim three important point?
As for Athletic Club Bilbao, as one of Barcelona's historic rivals, they are fitting visitors for this landmark occasion, but travel to Catalonia in uninspiring form. A fortnight ago, the Lions did manage to beat Real Oviedo 1-0 at San Mamés, with the returning Nico Williams the only scorer.
Nevertheless, before that, Ernesto Valverde's team had collected just a solitary point from three outings, notably beaten 3-2 by Real Sociedad in the Basque derby at Anoeta earlier this month. In fact, since beggining the season with three straight victories, Athletic have won only two of nine La Liga outings, thereby down in seventh place, failing to score on five occasions during this miserable run. Thus, Barcelona are likely to be far too strong at Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 243.
- Barcelona Wins: 124. Draws: 40. Athletic Bilbao Wins: 79.
Barcelona team news
Frenkie de Jong's red card at Balaídos means he is suspended, leaving Hansi Flick short of midfield options. With Pedri and Gavi also sidelined, Marc Casadó is likely to come into the lineup.
In attack, there's still no Raphinha, but Lamine Yamal is expected to start, despite controversially withdrawing from the Spain squad last week.
Lastly, in goal, Wojciech Szczęsny has started the last nine matches, but Joan García could return following a meniscus injury, so will he come straight back in?
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Athletic Bilbao: (4-3-3): García; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; Casadó, Fermín, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Rashford, Lewandowski.
Barcelona player to watch vs Athletic Bilbao
Robert Lewandowski double a fortnight ago took his tally to seven La Liga goals for the season already, while he has netted five times against Athletic to date, so will he bag another here?
Athletic Bilbao team news
Ernesto Valverde returns to Barcelona without Yeray Álvarez, Unai Egiluz, Beñat Prados, Maroan Sannadi, Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams, the latter duo massive absentees.
In better news, Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams both returned against Real Oviedo, the latter scoring the afternoon's only goal, adding some much-needed attacking threat to this side.
Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup vs Barcelona: (4-2-3-1): Simón; Gorosabel, Vivan, Laporte, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar, Berenguer, Gómez, N Williams; Guruzeta.
Athletic Bilbao player to watch vs Barcelona
It was widely expected that Nico Williams would join Barcelona in the summer, only to sign a ten-year contract in Bilbao. He scored the last time Athletic beat Barça in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals of 2024, so can he show the Camp Nou faithful what they missed out on?
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
This game guarantees goals, as every Barça match does, and we cannot see any other outcome than an empathic home win at Camp Nou over a struggling Athletic side: Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao FAQs - La Liga
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on TV channel?
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports Player.
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
- Canada: TSN+
How to watch Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on live streaming?
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player.
- USA: ESPN Select & fuboTV
- Canada: TSN+
What is the date and kick-off time for Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao in La Liga?
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao takes place on Saturday 22 November 2025, with kick off at 15:15 (GMT), 10:15 (ET) & 7:15 (PT).