FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club: Match preview | La Liga | OneFootball

The November international break is finally behind us, and FC Barcelona are set to return to action with a La Liga game against Athletic Club. Saturday’s match also marks the Catalan club’s return to their permanent home, the Spotify Camp Nou.

Having beaten Celta Vigo 4–2 just before the break, Barcelona will be keen to kick on and close the gap to Real Madrid. Playing before their arch-rivals gives them a chance to pull level and put pressure on Xabi Alonso’s side.

FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club: Match details

Match overview

Hansi Flick’s team’s form has been hit or miss so far this season. However, there were clear signs of improvement against Celta Vigo, especially in the second half, when the performance resembled an in-form Barcelona side.

In the absence of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, the team’s engine room, getting a favourable result will not be straightforward. However, a return to the Camp Nou should help with momentum and add an emotional edge to the game.

Athletic Club, as always, have started the season in typical fashion and currently sit seventh in the league. Despite it being early days, they will want to climb the table and solidify their reputation as a top-four club.

Ernesto Valverde will be buoyed by the return of Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. He returns to a stadium he knows well from his time as Barcelona manager and will hope to end a 24-year run without an away win for the Basque club.

Three points are at stake for Barcelona, along with the need to mark their return to the Camp Nou with a victory. Let us hope the motivation helps pull the players in the right direction and that the Blaugrana emerge victorious on the night.