LaLiga | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: 5 Talking Points Before Kick Off

Pedro’s top three goals against Athletic Bilbao

Take a look back at the top 3 goals of Pedro with Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao.


Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona: Line-ups

Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona

Barca to Prove a Point

#1

Athletic won 11, drew 13 and lost 14 of their 38 league matches last season to finish in 10th position, some 15 points behind the top six, and it is difficult to imagine them closing that gap in 2021-22, with their Basque-only policy in terms of new signings restricting their summer activity.

#2

It is essentially the same group of players that ended last season, but they have previous in terms of impressive finishes at this level, claiming fourth, seventh, fifth and seventh between 2014 and 2017.

#3

The Lions have lost their last three league matches with Barcelona, including a 3-2 defeat in the corresponding match last season, but they did beat the Catalan giants 1-0 on home soil in August 2019 and certainly have the players capable of making this a difficult assignment for the visitors.

#4

There were a lot of question marks ahead of Barcelona’s first league match of the season against Real Sociedad, but Koeman’s side managed to pick up an incredibly important three points.

#5

Barcelona’s form in the second half of last season was largely impressive, and a strong start to 2021-22 would certainly leave the fans dreaming of the title despite the issues that the club have faced this summer.

DPP Verdict

Barcelona are certain to suffer as it will be a tough contest for the Catalan giants. Koeman will have been delighted with what he saw from his side on the opening weekend, though, and we fancy Barcelona to shade a close match to pick up another three points.