Barcelona vs Ath Bilbao prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2025-11-21 15:15.
[p]Barcelona will return to the Camp Nou after more than two years away, albeit with a reduced capacity, as they host an inconsistent Athletic Club side.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Barcelona went into the international break on a high after a 4-2 win at Celta Vigo, and coupled with Real Madrid’s draw against Rayo Vallecano, saw their deficit to the leaders cut to three points. Buoyed by returning to their iconic home, the Blaugrana will be looking to cut that gap down yet further, but a return of four wins from their last eight games across all competitions (D1, L3) suggests this won’t be straightforward. Entertainment appears guaranteed with Barça’s games averaging a pre-round league-high 3.92 goals, while they’ve also won all five league outings at home, albeit at two different stadiums.[/p]
[p]Athletic Club brought a timely end to a three-match losing streak prior to the international break, beating newly-promoted strugglers Real Oviedo 1-0 to stay within striking distance of the European places. The Lions’ 17 points at this stage is their lowest haul since 2020/21, and improving on that looks tricky as they face last season’s top three across their next four La Liga outings starting with this trip to Catalonia. Any road assignment appears tough for Athletic at present as they’ve failed to win their last four away league matches (D1, L3), failing to score three times therein.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Barcelona are unbeaten in the last 11 La Liga H2Hs (W9, D2), and were last beaten at home by Athletic in the league back in November 2001 (W20, D3).[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Barcelona’s last 13 matches all produced over 2.5 total goals.[/p]
[p]Twelve of the 15 league goals Barcelona have conceded this term came before half-time. [/p]
[p]Athletic conceded a pre-round league-high eight goals beyond the 70th minute.[/p]
[p]Just two of Athletic’s last 12 away La Liga games saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Marcus Rashford had three assists in his last three games for club and country, while his last three Barcelona goals have come at home beyond the hour mark. Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón stands in his way but perhaps without much confidence having conceded a personal-high 27 goals in 14 games against Barça.[/p]
[p]Frenkie de Jong is suspended for Barcelona after his red card against Celta, while doubts surround Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Key attackers Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams could be missing for Athletic after recent lay-offs.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]With entertainment a consistent factor of their games, backing a Barcelona win and over 2.5 total goals could be a good pick.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Sridhar Bhamidi[/i][/p]