Barcelona vs Athletic Club Prediction
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Home Team
Elche 0–5 Barcelona
Barcelona 2–1 Al Ahly
Basel 2–5 Barcelona
Udinese 1–0 Barcelona
Barcelona 1–0 Nottingham Forest
Barcelona started their La Liga season as they intend to go, putting 5 past Elche.
Away Team
Athletic 1–3 Sevilla
Athletic 0–1 Barcelona
Athletic 2–1 Elche
Oviedo 1–2 Athletic
Athletic 0–1 Real Sociedad
Athletic Club hasn't had good numbers lately. Their opening game against Sevilla showed how bad their defensive setup can be which is something Hansi Flick's men will be looking to exploit.
Head-to-Head
Athletic 0–1 Barcelona
Barcelona 5–0 Athletic
Barcelona 4–0 Athletic
Athletic 0–3 Barcelona
Athletic 0–2 Barcelona
Historically, Athletic Club has not beaten Barcelona in their last five games.
Key Statistics
Barcelona have won the last five meetings without conceding. In those five matches, they have scored 17 goals. Their opening-day 5–0 victory also produced 11 shots, seven on target and nine big chances.
Athletic had 65% possession in their opener but still conceded three times, partly because of two errors leading to goals. Barcelona's pressing and transition play should punish similar mistakes.
Team News
Barcelona are without Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Roony Bardghji. Despite those absences, their attacking group remains extremely strong, with Raphinha coming off a two-goal, one-assist performance.
Athletic are without suspended Yuri Berchiche, while Beñat Prados and Dani Vivian are also unavailable.
Those defensive absences are particularly problematic at Camp Nou.
Prediction Analysis
Barcelona have the stronger squad, superior recent H2H record, home advantage and a considerably more convincing opening performance.
This game is definitely a Barcelona win and I think a 3-0 scoreline can be expected.