Stories from the past
The two sides met on several occasions out of the Spanish League competition, but unquestionably, their most entertaining meetings took place this year, as both sides met in the Copa del Rey final, and then went on to decide the Spanish Super Cup title.
In all, Barcelona were definitely the conquerors, humiliating the Basques 4-1 at the Mestalla stadium to clinch their first domestic cup last season, and enjoying an aggregate 5-1 score line later on in the Super Cup.
Of course, these facts prove how well the defending Spanish League champions have often managed to come out on top of Athletic Bilbao.
Well, even though both teams did not have so many remarkable changes in their squads during the summer transfer window, the result of this weekend’s league game at Bilbao could be the outcome of a totally different story altogether.
Athletic Bilbao – Struggling for a better form
A coach would undoubtedly be wrong to under-estimate the powers of the Basques, as over the years, they have proven to achieve several things that even other big sides in Spain have not been able to accomplish.
This could be justified by the fact that they currently occupy the second place in the rankings for the Copa del Rey’s best teams of all times, with 24 cups in their museum. In any case, this is not really the issue here, as their next challenge concerns the Spanish League competition only.
Unfortunately this season, Athletic Bilbao have not been in a consistent shape in the league so far, winning 5 games, losing 4, and drawing 1.
They currently occupy the 8th place in the La Liga standings with 16 points, and with -2 as their goal difference. This shows how hard their struggle have been to reserve themselves a place in the first half of the table, but still, their difficulties have not stopped them from staying on track in the UEFA Europa League.
Consequently, one can presume that although the Basques are still as physically strong as they were last season, they lack of efficiency in front of goal, as well as the ability to take control of encounters.
FC Barcelona – Not allowed to miss points
As for the league leaders, their situation in the league has been totally normal so far, having played 10 games overall like any other team. Despite this fact, they have been capable setting themselves apart with 26 points out of 30 possible so far.
This then makes them first in the standings, either one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid who sit second with 25 points.
Indeed, the gap at the top of the table is now a tinny one, but this can partly be explained through the unnecessary 1-1 draw the Catalans made away from home to Osasuna, about 3 weeks ago.
In fact, considering the hunger of Los Blancos after the temporary loss of their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no doubt that one more mistake from Barcelona preventing 3 more points to remain at the top, could be a deadly one for Pep Guardiola’s side; as they might therefore cheaply give away the number 1 spot in La Liga’s table.
This is not something Barcelona fans would want to see happen, and thus, it is up to their men on the pitch to make things happen, instead of letting them happen.
Clear Facts
In addition to the fact that Bilbao will play as the hosts, they will need to get a win if ever they are to widen their chances of entering the top four places in Spain; whereas Barcelona will be looking to get nothing but a victory, as Real Madrid will want to keep the pressure on them by beating Racing Santander.
Possibilities in the game
Barcelona might not find it easy to humble the home side if ever Bilbao decide to start the game aggressively, as the Catalans have proven to be lacking of composure and expertise at their back these recent weeks.
Speaking of the Athletic Bilbao, allowing the midfield of Barcelona to trouble them could push them to concede a flood of goals, which would eventually leave them no option but to submit themselves to Barcelona’s imposing power.
