Barcelona face Athletic Bilbao: probable lineups revealed

FC Barcelona hosts Athletic Club this Thursday at 9 PM at the Spotify Camp Nou for the first match of the 2026-2027 La Liga season. Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, maintains the squad that secured a victory against Elche in the season opener (5-0). The Catalan club hopes to deliver a first home win to its supporters. The probable lineups have been revealed by Spanish media outlet Marca.

Barcelona missing three key players

Hansi Flick will have to manage three absences for this match. Gavi, De Jong, and Bardghji are unavailable due to injuries. The Andalusian midfielder, who suffered a knee contusion in the last match, will miss the game as a precaution. His replacement in the double pivot will be Pedri. The German coach will, however, be able to field Rodri, Barcelona's new signing, who has been training with the group since Monday. The midfielder is set to make his first appearance at the Camp Nou. Barcelona dominated Elche 5-0 in the season opener last Sunday at Martínez Valero. The Catalans are eager to repeat the feat against Athletic to secure their first home win.

Athletic Club missing several players

On the Bilbao side, three players will also be absent. Vivian, Prados, and Yuri, who is suspended after a red card against Sevilla, will not be available. Athletic will line up with Simón in goal, Areso, Yeray, Laporte, and Adama in defense, Jauregizar, Galarreta, and Gerenabarrena in midfield, and Robert Navarro, Sancet, and Nico in attack. Barcelona, on the other hand, is expected to field a team with Joan García in goal, Eric García, Christensen, Gerard Martín, and Xavi Espart in defense, Pedri and Marc Bernal in midfield, and Fermín, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Adeyemi in attack.

Pre-match statements

Hansi Flick, Barcelona's coach, stated: “All the players are hungry to win the third consecutive La Liga title.” Meanwhile, Marcelino García Toral, Athletic's coach, said: “It's not about going to watch how they play or to the dentist.” These statements reflect the stakes of this match for both teams. Supporters can purchase tickets to attend this Barcelona vs. Athletic clash. The Catalan club has also responded to the incidents that occurred during the trip to Elche, where fans were subjected to a police intervention. Barcelona strongly condemned the situation.