The Basques, after the 2024 Cup, also achieved decent results last season—finishing fourth in La Liga and reaching the Europa League semifinals. However, things are going much worse now, and in all competitions—except perhaps the cup, where they’ve only faced weaker opponents so far. In the Champions League, it’s already clear they won’t make the playoffs. And there is noticeable regression in domestic competitions as well. In January, they also drew 1-1 with Osasuna.
The Catalan giants, in Flick’s first year in Spain, secured a full set of domestic trophies. After the break, there were setbacks, but they finished 2025 by confidently securing a Champions League playoff spot and reclaiming first place in La Liga. After the holiday break, they delivered a solid 2-0 win in the derby against Espanyol.
Valverde’s side averages 0.89 goals scored per game and concedes 1.32. The champion scores 2.79 goals per match while conceding 1.05 on average.
Athletic have won just one of their last five matches
37% of Athletic’s games finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.21
Barcelona have won eight matches in a row
63% of Barcelona’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per game is 3.84.
Athletic (probable): Unai Simón – Boiro, Paredes, Lekue, Gorosabel – Jaureguizar, Ruiz de Galarreta, N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer – I. Williams
Barcelona (probable): Garcia – Balde, Martin, Cubarsí, Koundé – Eric Garcia, De Jong, Raphinha, Fermín López, Yamal – Ferran Torres.
In the last eight “El Clasico” meetings, the Basques managed only one draw, but in the cup two years ago, they knocked out their old rival.
