WHO: Atlético de Bilbao vs Barcelona
That: the league
Where: San Mames, Bilbao, Spain
When: Saturday, March 7, at 9:00 p.m. (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live coverage begins at 17:00 GMT.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is confident his team will not be hampered by injuries as they prepare to visit Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, aiming to restore their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
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Their fierce rivals beat Celta Vigo 2-1, thanks to an injury-time goal from Federico Valverde on Friday to close the gap.
Barcelona’s game in Bilbao is one game less and marks an important moment to keep its rivals at a distance in the shoot.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a closer look at the match.
Barcelona ignores the injury list before the trip to Bilbao
Barca suffered injuries to defenders Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde during their 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday, a result that was not enough to overturn a four-goal deficit from the first leg.
Midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi also remain out, but striker Robert Lewandowski is ready for the clash against Athletic.
“These things happen. I’m not happy,” Flick told reporters on Friday. “We have to talk about what we can improve. That is always my responsibility. It does not depend on the medical staff or the physiotherapists, it is my responsibility.”
“I want to talk to the doctors, the physios and the coaching staff to see what we can do better. It’s about managing the team, and it’s not pleasant, especially at such a crucial time. But we are optimistic. This gives other players the opportunity to show how good they are.”
Real Madrid’s shock 1-0 home defeat to Getafe on Monday left leaders Barca four points clear after 26 games. Athletic occupies ninth position.
“There is still a long way to go until the end of May. There are many games left. On Tuesday we had two more injuries… We have to face it and move on. We need to stay optimistic about the things we cannot change,” Flick said.
Although Barça failed to reach the Copa del Rey final, Flick said he was greatly encouraged by their performance.
“In the end it was not enough and we have to accept it. But my feeling is that we are at a very high level and that should give us confidence,” added the German.
Athletic Bilbao has similar problems with team news
Yeray Álvarez is suspended for the match, while Nico Williams, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz and Maroan Sannadi are injured.
There were no further injuries for the Bilbao team in their 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad, but it remains to be seen if Valverde decides to change teams given the result.
What happened the last time Athletic Bilbao played against Barcelona?
Barcelona thrashed Bilbao 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in January.
Raphinha scored two goals to send the Catalan club to the final.
What happened in the last league match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona?
Bilbao’s story was equally bleak in the first leg of La Liga this season, when they lost 4-0 to Barcelona in December.
Ferran Torres scored a double for Barça on this occasion.
When was the last time Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona?
The Bilbao club’s last victory against Barça occurred seven games ago, with a 4-2 in January 2024 in a Copa del Rey match.
The match required extra time, as it ended 2-2 after regulation time, with Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams scoring the goals to give Bilbao qualification.
Stats Attack – Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
Barcelona are unbeaten in 12 La Liga games against Bilbao, with their last defeat coming at San Mamés in 2019.
Barça has won 10 of the following games, scoring 26 goals and conceding only five goals in that streak.
Bilbao has only scored one goal in the last eight La Liga games against Barcelona.
Face to face
- Games played: 246
- Barcelona wins: 126
- Athletic Bilbao wins: 80
- Draws: 40
Athletic Bilbao’s planned team
Simon; Vivian, Paredes, Laporte, Boiro; Rego, Ruiz de Galarreta; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta
Barcelona’s planned team
J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, E García, Martín; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha; F Torres
Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona guide their form
- Athletic Bilbao’s last five matches (all competitions; most recent result is last):
LWWDL - Barcelona’s last five games (all competitions – last result):
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