Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona, La Liga Fixture – Preview, Team News, Predicted Lineups, and More

Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial La Liga Clash on May 25.

Barcelona will bring the curtain down on their successful 2024–25 La Liga campaign with a trip to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. La Blaugrana secured the league title with two games still left at hand. The Catalan giants are determined to finish on a high.

Meanwhile, Athletic have also enjoyed a stellar season of theirs as well. They’ve already booked their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. With little pressure on either side, fans can expect an open and competitive final-day match in Bilbao.

🔥 De Marcos' last dance at The Cathedral! Let's go, Lions!

🆚 @FCBarcelona
🏟️ San Mames
🕘 21:00 CEST
📺 https://t.co/pjkM94h25n
🎟️ https://t.co/9kMTzmb2V9 #AthleticBarça #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/l1GBLWiiri
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) May 25, 2025

Barca Determined to End Season With a Win

Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Espanyol earlier this month clinched the title and capped off a trophy-laden debut campaign under head coach Hansi Flick. Along with the La Liga, Barcelona also secured the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup this season. However, the champions lost their last home game of the season.

They lost against Villarreal last weekend by a 3-2 margin. This was the first home game that they lost in 2025. Barca now boast the best away record in the league and are eyeing the 100-goal mark, currently sitting on 99. A final flourish at San Mames is the target for Flick’s in-form squad.

Also Read: Official: Raphinha Signs New Deal with FC Barcelona Until June 2028

Athletic Bilbao Team News

Ernesto Valverde’s side will go into this fixture full of confidence after three straight wins without conceding. The Basque outfit have been superb at home, collecting 39 points from 18 matches and conceding only 10 goals. They’re currently boasting the league’s best home defensive record.

However, they may have to continue this feat without some key players as both Nico Williams and Yeray Alvarez remain doubts for the game with respective injuries. However, on the brighter side, Mikel Jauregizar and Inaki Williams are expected to return to the starting XI. Meanwhile Maroan Sannadi is pushing for a starting role as well in attack.

Athletic Bilbao Probable Starting Lineup:

Simon; Yuri, Paredes, Vivian, Lekue; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; I Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Sannadi

Also Read: Barcelona Director Deco Reveals Two Premier League Players the Club Want To Sign This Summer

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona have several players unavailable for their final match. Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, and Marc Bernal remain sidelined, while Ronald Araujo is unlikely to feature due to a persistent muscle issue. Flick may choose to rotate his side.

Frenkie de Jong may reclaim his spot in midfield with Alejandro Balde returning from his injury at the left-back position. Fermin Lopez continues to impress with his scoring form. Hence, he could get a spot at the starting XI alongside Dani Olmo. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal all could feature in this season ender.

Barcelona Probable Starting Lineup:

Ter Stegen; Balde, Martinez, Cubarsi, Garcia; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Lewandowski

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

Barcelona

La Liga

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.