Preview – Barcelona vs Athletic Club
Barcelona's quest for the Spanish Primera Division title sees them lock horns with Athletic Club on Sunday exactly two weeks on from that disappointing Supercopa de Espana defeat. Revenge will be on the Blaugrana's mind but can the Catalan giants beat the Basque outfit in their 3 p.m. ET showdown?
Koeman's men host Marcelino's side for their 20th game of the 2020/21 La Liga season as they go in search of a fifth league win in a row. However, Messi and Co. must pull off what they failed to achieve in the Spanish Super Cup final and that is beating Athletic Club, having lost 3-2 to the mid-table team.
That defeat occurred only a fortnight ago, which means it remains fresh in their minds. Barcelona twice went in front thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann but twice threw away their lead only to lose in extra time, with Leo getting sent off for the very-first time in club football.
That loss robbed Koeman of silverware – possibly his only shot at a trophy this season – but with the Liga title growing further out of reach, the Blaugrana cannot afford another slip-up. League leaders Atletico sit a whopping 10 points ahead of the Catalan giants and with Los Rojiblancos taking to the field approximately five hours before Barca are in action, Messi and Co. could find themselves 13 points adrift before even kicking a ball.
Additionally, the hosts could leapfrog Real Madrid and go second in the table with a victory due to Los Blancos' surprise 2-1 loss to Levante on Saturday, further highlighting the need to triumph. However, despite the home advantage, Athletic Club will be no walk in the park as the Basque side look to make ground in the race to qualify for Europe – they are eight points off the top six. All of this should make for an interesting Camp Nou showdown.
Team news
Barcelona: Midfield veteran Sergio Busquets is suspended for this game, meaning Miralem Pjanic should be afforded a rate start. Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, and Philippe Coutinho all remain injured. Sergi Roberto has returned to training but this fixtures comes too soon for the Spaniard.
Athletic Club: Peru Nolaskoain is injured. Inigo Martinez and Mikel Balenziaga, unfortunately, are doubts for the away side. Balenziaga might sit this game out.
Key stats
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Barcelona have managed only two wins in their last seven encounters with Athletic Club.
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However, the best the Basque club could manage in their last 16 trips to Camp Nou in the league was a draw (D1, L15).
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In fact, the Lions haven't won at Camp Nou since November 2001.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
