Barcelona are finally heading back to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou stadium. The club posted a video of the stadium via their official X account, and there’s a bit of a buzz around Hansi Flick’s squad as they try to keep their momentum going.
Watch the video below:
Their 4-2 win over Celta Vigo before the break, with a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick, as reported by Softfootball, highlighted how the Polish striker seems to be warming up at the right moment for Barça. The return home almost feels like a reset for this team, and Flick himself recently spoke about how much he’s enjoying life at the club.
Athletic Club arrive in Barcelona with a very different vibe. They did win before the break, but their squad has been hit by injuries all over the place, and that inconsistency away from home keeps showing up again. Ernesto Valverde knows this isn’t the easiest trip, though his team usually turns up with energy even when they’re a bit stretched. Still, this one looks like a difficult night for them.
Team News
Barcelona remain without Pedri, although most other players are back in shape. Joan Garcia should take the goalkeeper spot, guarded by a back four of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde. In midfield, Marc Casado sits at the base, with Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez pushing and probing around him. Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford work the wings, and Lewandowski leads the line again after his heroics.
Athletic Club are dealing with more serious problems. Inaki Williams, Unai Egiluz and Maroan Sannadi are out injured, Yeray Alvarez is suspended and Oihan Sancet is a doubt. Ernesto Valverde should stick to a 4-2-3-1: Unai Simón in goal and a defensive four of Yuri Berchiche, Aymeric Laporte, Dani Vivian and Andoni Gorosabel. Nico Williams and Berenguer give width, with Sancet, if he makes it, playing behind Guruzeta.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3): Joan Garcia; Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford.
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Simon; Berchiche, Laporte, Vivian, Gorosabel; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Nico Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
Softfootball’s Prediction
Barcelona’s homecoming, combined with their form going forward, places them as heavy favourites. Lewandowski looks sharp again; everything is not totally perfect yet. Athletic Club will definitely fight, but with so many players missing and an away form that jumps around a bit, this matchup inclines strongly toward the hosts.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club.
