Athletic Bilbao

vs

FC Barcelona

Predictions & Betting Tips

Barca bring the big guns to Bilbao

This match-up of Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona promises to be one of the toughest games of the season and it will be a cauldron atmosphere at San Mames on Sunday. The Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona preview gives us a closer look at the intense rivalry and high stakes of this encounter. The hosts are 4th in the La Liga table with 70 points after 37 games and still in the running for a Champions League place for next season. Barca have already secured the 2024-25 La Liga title with 85 points – 15 more than their Basque opponents. The last time these two met was in the 2024 Super Cup when Barca turned Bilbao over 2-0 away from home, one of four wins, one draw and one defeat that have come in the last six meetings of the clubs in all competitions.

Sancet the key to Athletic’s success

Athletic have won three in a row coming into this and, with home-field advantage, are right in the mix for a place in next season’s Champions League. Away wins over Getafe (2-0) and Valencia (1-0) have been followed by a 1-0 home win over Alaves. But our Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona prediction is that Barcelona have a history of delivering in these big games and will probably head north as slight favorites at +130 with the hosts at +205 and the draw at +290. Ernesto Valverde has his Athletic side pressing so relentlessly that they are causing turnovers and creating chances all over the pitch in front of a home crowd that can be intimidating for visiting teams. Oihan Sancet has been the fulcrum of their success with 15 goals in 28 league appearances so far. He is the playmaker and goalscorer for Athletic.

Flick’s Barcelona are flying

Hansi Flick has had a fantastic debut season at Barca, revolutionising their playing style. His side have played some exhilarating soccer, pressing high and with the high line that was once the hallmark of Barcelona teams. This Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona prediction also considers that it has produced plenty of chances, but also plenty of danger at the back and while Athletic are a disciplined and tactically astute side, they are likely to get exposed by Barca’s firepower. Robert Lewandowski has been deadly in front of goal with 25 in 33 and he will be supported by the likes of Raphinha, who has four in Barca’s last five games. So while the bookies have Barca as favorites, we’ll take the visitors to win. The Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona betting tips suggest Both Teams To Score at -200 looks a strong alternative play here as Athletic have conceded only ten goals at home in the league and average only 0.56 per game thanks to their pressing system.