Barcelona
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0 - 0
This match has ended. Upcoming related matches:
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Athletic Bilbao
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Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Live Streams and TV Channels
| Country | Channels |
|---|---|
| United States | ESPN Deportes |
| Other Countries | |
| France | Canal+ Sport |
| Italy | Sky Calcio 1 |
| Portugal | Sport TV HD, Sport TV1 |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports 2/HD |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | |
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Delayed and Repeat Broadcasts
| Country | Date/Time (US/Eastern) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Tue, Dec 21 21:00pm | ESPN Deportes |
| Wed, Dec 22 4:00am | ESPN Deportes | |
| Fri, Dec 24 16:00pm | ESPN Deportes | |
| Sun, Dec 26 10:00am | ESPN Deportes | |
| Mon, Dec 27 4:00am | ESPN Deportes | |
| France | Wed, Dec 22 7:00am | Sport+ |
| Wed, Dec 22 10:30am | Canal+ Sport | |
| Portugal | Tue, Dec 21 19:10pm | Sport TV2 |
| Wed, Dec 22 6:30am | Sport TV1 | |
| *Don't see your country or favourite channel listed? Let us know and we will include it. | ||
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Match Preview
Athletic misses its top striker Fernando Llorente for a difficult visit to Barcelona. Pep Guardiola's Blaugranas are going through an excellent moment and want to prolong such success to the Copa del Rey, a title they missed greatly last year."Barcelona is even stronger than two years ago, when they obtained every possible title" said Athletic's coach Caparros. With 51 goals in 16 Liga matches, Lions' defenders will have to keep Lio Messi and David Villa under a close watch not to receive an awkward surprise as soon as the game starts.
Barcelona's coach is likely to introduce a few minor modifications for this clash. Jose Manuel Pinto will be guarding the post, giving Victor Valdes an opportunity to rest. Javier Mascherano will be chosen over Sergio Busquets to provide more control in the midfield, while Bojan Krkic replaces Pedro in the attack.
The visitors will be missing Fernando Amorabieta too, ruled out with injuries. A victory might let Athletic recover their confidence for the next year, and perhaps jump back on the European fight. Barcelona's overwhelming firepower will have Athletic undertake a test of faith, will they pass it?
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Match Report
Pep Guardiola took Athletic for granted and will now have to visit San Mames two weeks from now to obtain his ticket for the next round of the Cup. Lio Messi played only the last 45 minutes and things could have been different with the Argentinean from the first minute on.There's not a lot to say regarding the first half of the game. Xavi and Iniesta lead the attack as Villa and Messi came in late in the game, but Pedro and Bojan played far below the expectations of Cule's coach. Athletic hardly created scoring opportunities but made a fine job nullifying Blaugranas' attack.
Things took a radical twist as soon as Lio Messi joined the game. He assisted Gerard Pique with an exquisite ball but the Spanish defender missed a golden opportunity to open the score. Minutes later, Xavi missed to score as he faced Athletic's goalkeeper Gorka Iraizos one-on-one.
The visitors earned an important point and now San Mames will host the decisive game. A victory will be a major boost for Athletic's morale, are they ready to defeat Liga's leader Barcelona?
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