During the past few days, Barcelona's fans have started to doubt about their team's chances of repeating a historic season. The team's supporters are taking under consideration the short squad Luis Enrique has to choose from, since they can't add new players to the team given the transfer ban imposed by FIFA. Furthermore, Los Culés have a number of absences due to injury and suspension, and the fact that it will be Athletic Bilbao facing them once again after the 5-1 blowout in the Spanish Super Copa, has raised serious concerns about the team's immediate future.
Despite all of these apparent setbacks, coach Luis Enrique believes his team is still the favorite to win it all, according to his latest words prior to the game.
"In this club we are used to deal with all the blows. We are prepared to fight. Last year, I said Atletico were the favorites because they'd won the league, and since now we are the title holders, we have to be considered as the top candidates," the coach stated.
Gerard Piqué and Jeremy Mathieu are out due to a couple of bans, while Neymar, Adriano and Douglas are still recovering from injuries. Although the Brazilian wingman returned to the team's training sessions on Friday, his debut in the 2015-2016 season will have to wait.
The good news for Los Culés will be the return of Jordi Alba, who recovered from a thigh injury in time to make the trip to Bilbao, although his participation in the match could be limited.
Despite what can be expected given all the problems Luis Enrique may have to put together his starting XI, stats show that Barcelona could come up with a win against Los Leones. Los Blaugranas have started the season against Athletic five times, with three wins, one draw and only one defeat.
The last time Barcelona played the first game of the season in Bilbao happened in the 2003-2004 season, with the away team winning 1-0. Curiously enough, current Blaugrana coach Luis Enrique played that game against Carlos Gurpegui, who is still included in Los Leones' squad for the season.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
