Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In the 38th round of the Spanish La Liga, Athletic Bilbao will host Barcelona on Sunday, May 25. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. Here’s our betting preview for this clash.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Match facts and head-to-head
- Athletic Bilbao have won their last three matches without conceding a single goal.
- Out of their last 12 home games, Athletic Bilbao have lost just one.
- Barcelona have lost three of their previous ten matches.
- By the way, Barcelona have already secured their 28th La Liga title.
- The Catalans are on a remarkable scoring streak — they've found the net in 35 consecutive matches.
- Barcelona boast the most prolific attack in La Liga — 99 goals scored.
- Athletic Bilbao have the league’s best defense — just 26 goals conceded.
- Athletic have only lost to nil in 8% of their matches, Barcelona in 4%.
- This season, the teams have met twice — both times Barcelona emerged victorious: 2-0 and 2-1.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Match preview
Both Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona have already accomplished all their objectives for the season, so this upcoming fixture holds no significance in terms of the standings. Both sides are simply wrapping up their league campaigns.
Athletic Bilbao have showcased the best defense in La Liga this season, conceding only 26 times in 37 rounds. The team has collected 70 points and sits in fourth place on the table. They lead the fifth-placed team by three points and the sixth by ten. With Spain set to have five teams in the Champions League next season, the Basques have already secured their return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Barcelona have delivered a stellar season, sweeping all domestic trophies. The title was clinched against Espanyol, after which they surprisingly lost 2-3 to Villarreal. But that defeat was meaningless. Over 37 rounds, Barça have scored 99 goals — the best tally in the league. They’re just one goal away from the century mark. That’s likely the main motivation for Flick’s squad: to hit that round number, especially if the 100th goal comes against the league’s toughest defense.
Probable lineups
- Athletic Bilbao: Simón; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Joregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, I. Williams; Sanced
- Barcelona: ter Stegen; García, Cubarsí, Martínez, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Prediction
This is a match with nothing at stake for either team. It’s unlikely that anyone will go all out or fight until the last minute. With all goals already achieved, both sides can play with freedom. That’s why I’m backing both teams to score — Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona. The odds for this outcome are 1.45.
