This La Liga clash between Athletic Club and Barcelona at San Mamés promises an intriguing end to the season. Although the standings are set, with Barcelona sitting comfortably at the top on 85 points and Athletic in fourth with 70 points, both teams will want to finish strong.

Barcelona, having already secured the league title under Hansi Flick, will likely rotate their squad, giving some key players a rest. With stars like Pedri named Player of the Year and Lamine Yamal poised to extend his contract, the Barcelona camp is in high spirits despite a recent slip against Villarreal.

Athletic Club boasts a stellar home record, unbeaten in their last 15 home matches in La Liga, and with 4 clean sheets in their last 5 games. Expect the competitive spirit to shine through, especially with their top scorer Oihan Sancet leading the charge.

Referee Pablo González will oversee the match starting at 20:00 on what is expected to be a mild evening. Given the relaxed atmosphere as both teams have secured their objectives, our recommended bet is a draw.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tip

Given both teams have comfortably achieved their objectives for the season, expect a more relaxed encounter at San Mames. Athletic Club is unbeaten at home in their last 15 La Liga matches, while Barcelona may rotate their squad after clinching the league title.

• Home advantage: Athletic Club has not lost at home in their last 15 La Liga matches.
• Relaxed line-ups: Both teams may field less usual players as their seasonal goals are already achieved.
• Balanced stats: While Barcelona is favored, the combination of a strong home record and likely squad rotations makes a draw a favorable outcome.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Odds

Barcelona are the bookmaker favorites to win despite playing away from home. Athletic Club’s odds reflect their unbeaten home run, while a draw at 3.73 indicates a more balanced match, especially with potential squad rotations. Both teams might approach this game with less pressure, having already secured their season goals. Expect an entertaining but relaxed battle at San Mamés.

Athletic Club Team Analysis

Athletic Club Recent Performance

Recent Form: WWWLD
Athletic Club has been in excellent form recently, securing four wins and one draw in their last five matches. They have maintained a strong defensive record with four clean sheets in these games. Although their average goals scored in this period is modest at 1.00 per game, their solid backline has been pivotal. This resilience will be key as they face league champions Barcelona at San Mamés, looking to extend their 15-match unbeaten run at home in La Liga.

Athletic Club Key Players

Athletic Club’s key players have consistently demonstrated their importance, especially in recent games. The standout performer is Oihan Sancet, the club’s top scorer, who has notched up an impressive 15 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial against a strong Barcelona defence. In defence, Dani Vivian has been rock solid and was even featured in the La Liga Team of the Year, reflecting his significant contributions. His partnership with Inigo Martinez will be vital in containing Barcelona’s attacking threats, particularly with Robert Lewandowski in the opposing lineup.

Expected lineup for Athletic Club:

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
• Defenders: Inigo Lekue, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche
• Midfielders: Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Benat Prados, Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, Adama Boiro
• Forward: Gorka Guruzeta

Keep an eye on the midfield battle, where Sancet’s creativity will face Barcelona’s resilient midfield, led by Pedri.

Athletic Club Suspensions & Injuries

Athletic Club has no reported suspensions or injuries heading into their final match of the season against Barcelona. This gives them a clean bill of health and full squad availability, which could be a significant advantage in a game where maintaining their strong home record is key. With all their top players fit and ready, Athletic will look to solidify their position in the top four and cap off the season on a high note.

Athletic Club Tactics and Formation

Athletic Club Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Gorka Guruzeta
• Midfield Engine: Oihan Sancet, supported by Alex Berenguer and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta

Athletic Club is expected to stick with their well-tested 4-2-3-1 formation. Unai Simon will anchor the goalposts, with a solid back four comprising Inigo Lekue, Daniel Vivian, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche. The midfield will revolve around the influential Oihan Sancet, who has been pivotal with 15 goals this season. Benat Prados and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta will provide stability in the central areas, allowing Sancet and the agile Alex Berenguer to push forward.

Their defensive strength is evident, with four clean sheets in their last five LaLiga matches, highlighting their organizational discipline led by Dani Vivian.

Expect them to exploit their strong home record, not having lost in 15 consecutive matches at San Mames, focusing on tight defensive control while looking to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack.

Barcelona Team Analysis

Barcelona Recent Performance

Barcelona will wrap up their LaLiga campaign with a visit to San Mames, boasting strong recent form:

Recent Form: LWWLW
Barcelona’s recent performances paint a picture of a team firing on all cylinders, having scored an average of 2.60 goals per match in their last five encounters. Despite suffering a recent defeat to Villarreal, they bounced back strongly with wins over Real Madrid and Espanyol.
Defensively, the Catalan giants have struggled to keep clean sheets, managing just one in their last five games. However, with their potent attack led by Robert Lewandowski, it’s easy to see why they are the bookmaker’s favorites for this match.

Barcelona Key Players

Barcelona’s key players will be critical in this final match of the season, especially with numerous injuries affecting their usual starting lineup. Leading the charge is Robert Lewandowski, the away team’s top scorer with 25 goals this season. His clinical finishing and positioning are always a threat to any defense. Lewandowski’s expected battle against Athletic’s stalwart defenders like Daniel Vivian and Inigo Lekue will be a key clash to watch.

Another star to keep an eye on is Pedri, whose creativity and vision in the midfield orchestrate Barcelona’s attacks. Gavi and Raphinha also bring dynamism and flair to the team, providing excellent support for Lewandowski.

Expected lineup for Barcelona:

• Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
• Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin
• Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha
• Attackers: Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries

Barcelona is grappling with several injuries heading into this match.

These injuries could significantly impact Barcelona’s lineup, especially in defense where key players like Kounde and Araujo are out. The absence of Bernal, Rodriguez, and Torres means the team may need to rely on younger or less experienced players to fill these roles.

Barcelona Tactics and Formation

Barcelona’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Midfield Trio: Gavi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal
• Defensive Strength: Despite injury concerns, they’ve managed one clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy:
  • High press and possession-based football.
  • Strong attacking phases often peaking between the 60th and 75th minute.

Key Points:

• Lewandowski continues to be their primary goal-scoring threat with 25 goals.
• The midfield is versatile, capable of both controlling the tempo and initiating quick transitions.
• Injuries to Kounde and Araujo could see younger defenders stepping in, but their system remains robust.
• Yamal and Raphinha will likely provide width, stretching the opponent’s defense and creating spaces for Lewandowski.

This tactical setup has been effective all season, helping Barcelona clinch the La Liga title.

Athletic Club vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Statistics

Both teams have a rich recent history, with Barcelona largely dominating these clashes. However, Athletic Club managed a memorable victory in the Copa del Rey, and a draw a couple of months later in LaLiga. These varied results suggest that while Barcelona has the edge, Athletic Club can spring a surprise, especially at home.

Odds accurate as of 23 May 2025 20:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.