Barcelona are preparing for an emotional night as they finally return to Camp Nou on Saturday evening to face Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. After more than two years away, the club is stepping back into its true home, a place that has been under reconstruction and anticipation for 909 long days. Supporters have waited patiently, and the occasion feels like a celebration as well as a competitive fixture.
The team left Camp Nou at the end of the 2022-23 season to allow for a massive rebuild worth more than one billion euros. The project has taken longer than expected and has faced several complications along the way. Even now, only forty five thousand fans will be able to watch the match check, far below the full capacity that will one day exceed one hundred thousand once construction is complete. Still, for Barcelona, simply being back on their own pitch is a major boost.
Hansi Flick’s side return home sitting second in the league table with twenty eight points, three behind Real Madrid. Their season so far has been bright in attack. They have scored thirty two goals, the highest tally in the league, even though they have had to cope with injuries to Raphinha and other key players.
The attacking rhythm has rarely disappeared. The concern lies in defence, where they have conceded fifteen goals and have not kept a clean sheet in their last ten games. Their last shutout dates back to September against Getafe, which shows how much work still needs to be done at the back.
Barcelona come into this match encouraged by a lively four two victory over Celta Vigo. They have lost only once in their last five matches across all competitions and generally look confident, even if their defensive lapses continue to show. History is also on their side. They have won the last three meetings against Athletic and across the previous ten meetings, the Basque side have only beaten them twice, both in the Copa del Rey and both after extra time.
Athletic Bilbao arrive in Barcelona seventh in the standings with seventeen points from five wins, two draws and five defeats. Their form has been uneven and last weekend’s narrow one nil win over Real Oviedo came as a much needed relief after three straight losses. Scoring goals has not come easily for them in recent weeks, with only six goals in their last five matches and just one clean sheet during that period.
They will also be without travelling supporters for this game. Barcelona have communicated that no away fans will be allowed inside the stadium due to safety concerns surrounding the reopening. For Athletic, the challenge is significant. An eight point gap already separates them from the top four and any further slip in form will make their hopes of European football much harder.
As Barcelona step back onto the Camp Nou grass for the first time in more than two seasons, the night carries emotional weight. For the players, the staff and the fans, it is a reminder of identity and home. For Athletic, it is another difficult test in a season that has not yet found consistency. The setting alone ensures this match will feel special, and both sides know how important the points are as the season heads toward its midway point.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Barcelona are still managing a number of injuries, although the situation is slowly improving as several players move closer to full fitness. Marc Andre ter Stegen is still out with a back problem and Pedri remains unavailable due to a hamstring issue. Raphinha has recovered and could feature later in the match if needed.
Joan Garcia is expected to take his place in goal after overcoming a knee injury, and Andreas Christensen has also returned to full fitness. Frenkie de Jong will not be involved as he is suspended following his second yellow card against Celta Vigo. Marc Casado, who has recently returned to training, could step in for him if he is cleared to play. Eric Garcia will continue to wear a protective mask after breaking his nose, while Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are both ready for selection.
Athletic Bilbao also have their share of absences. Inaki Williams and Unai Eguiluz remain sidelined, and Maroan Sannadi is still out as well. The team suffered another significant blow with Benat Prados being ruled out for the season after a cruciate ligament injury.
Oihan Sancet has returned to training but remains doubtful, while Yeray Alvarez continues to serve a long suspension. Nico Williams provided some relief for the club, making a scoring comeback against Oviedo, and should be available again after fully resuming training.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
J. Garcia; Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Olmo, Lopez; Yamal, Lewandowski, Rashford
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup:
Simon; Berchiche, Laporte, Vivian, Gorosabel; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; N. Williams, Sanchez, Berenguer; Guruzeta
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 3-1 Bilbao
