By Graham Ruthven
Domestic achievements
In some ways, Athletic Club and Barcelona have had similar seasons. While both teams suffered European disappointments, falling just short of reaching a continental final, they achieved their objectives in LaLiga.
Barcelona arrive in the Basque Country this weekend as Spanish champions. Athletic Club, meanwhile, have already secured their place in the top four and qualification for next season’s Champions League.
In a competitive sense, there isn’t a lot for either side to play for at this stage. Nonetheless, Sunday’s match at San Mamés presents the opportunity for Athletic and Barca to finish on a high.
Ernesto Valverde’s team are unbeaten in 26 of their last 28 league matches and have only suffered one home defeat this season, against Atlético Madrid all the way back in August.
Athletic Club have also kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 league matches, but it will be extremely difficult to extend that defensive run against the most fearsome forward line in Spanish football.
Key players
Oihan Sancet started his first match for Athletic Club in a month against Valencia last weekend. The number 10 has been outstanding last season and his absence was keenly felt as Athletic lost to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams have both played with injuries recently. However, the former featured in the win over Valencia at Mestalla while the latter could play his final match for Athletic amid intense speculation about his future.
Midfielders Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Beñat Prados and Álex Berenguer will attempt to control play in the centre of the pitch against a Barcelona unit that will put them under pressure on both sides of the ball.
Hansi Flick could rotate his team and reward some of his fringe players who have been overlooked for much of Barcelona’s season.
However, Lamine Yamal will surely be given another opportunity to showcase his incredible talent and cap an outstanding season which has seen the teenager scoring in each of his last three appearances.
Raphinha has enjoyed the season of his life, scoring 18 goals in LaLiga. The Brazilian is a perpetual threat on the left side and will have the likes of Pedri and Gavi giving him service.
Team news
Nico Williams could be sidelined for Athletic Club with Yeray Álvarez also missing. Otherwise, the Basque hosts have a fully fit and available squad to choose from for their final match of the season.
Barcelona’s injury troubles have cleared up in recent weeks. Marc-André Ter Stegen is available again, but has sat on the bench behind Wojciech Szczęsny as Flick’s starting goalkeeper.
However, Jules Koundé is sidelined as he has been for the last month with Marc Bernal also in the treatment room. Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó, however, are back in training and could feature off the bench for the Catalans this weekend.
Prediction
We’re hoping for a relaxed end of season goal fest, one that keeps Athletic’s impressive home run going but ultimately, doesn’t damage anyone’s reputation: Athletic Club 2-2 Barcelona
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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