Athletic Bilbao Vs Barcelona Prediction: Barca Aims For 100 Goals, Bilbao Becomes The Last Victim?
JAKARTA - San Mames will witness the closing of an interesting season when the 2024-2025 La Liga champions Barcelona travel against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night, May 25.
Although this match does not determine the fate of both of them in the standings, prestige and ambition to close the season with positive results remains a strong motivation. Athletic Bilbao has secured a place in the Champions League next season, while Barcelona want to perfect their resounding season under Hansi Flick's tutelage.
Athletic Bilbao has appeared solid this season under the control ofMIT Valverde. Despite failing to advance to the Europa League final after being knocked out by Manchester United in the semifinals, Los Leones managed to secure the top four of La Liga. They will return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2014-2015 season.
With a score of three consecutive wins over Alaves, Getafe, and Valencia, Bilbao came into this match in their best form. They also hold the best home defense record in La Liga this season, only conceded 10 goals from 18 games at San Mates.
However, a tough challenge awaits as Bilbao has not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since August 2019.
On the other hand, Barcelona came as the new league champions. Their La Liga title was won with two remaining matches, and the win over Espanyol two weeks ago confirmed their dominance. Flick, in his first season, also presented the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Last week's 3-2 defeat to Villarreal was a minor stain on Blaugrana's impressive record. They don't want to close the season with two consecutive defeats, especially when they're chasing a record 100 goals in the league at this time they're collecting 99.
Key players such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski are expected to remain a mainstay to provide the fans with the final entertainment before the summer holidays.
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Athletic Bilbao is likely without Yeray Alvarez and Nico Williams who are still in doubt due to fitness issues. However, Inaki Williams and Mikel Jauregizar are ready to go down from the start. Maroan Sannadi could be the first choice up front to replace Gorka Guruzeta.
Barcelona itself was confirmed without Marc Bernal, Jules Kunde, and Ferran Torres. Ronald Araujo is also in doubt of a muscle injury. Frenkie de Jong will return to midfield, and Alejandro Balde will fill the left side of the defense. Fermin Lopez, who scored last week, competed with Dani Olmo for a place in mid-attack.
With both teams appearing without pressure, the match is predicted to take place openly. Athletic will maximize the advantages of their homes and the momentum of their victory, but Barcelona's individual quality can be a differentiator.
Estimated Lineup Of Players
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):Simon; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sancet, I. Williams; Sannadi
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Final score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Barcelona