Match Pack: FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD10)

After two weeks without competitive fixtures, Athletic are back in action. The Lions will be looking to pick up where they left off before the break and maintain their good run of form. If we can secure another positive result, it will go a long way to consolidating our position in the European places.

Due to the construction work taking place at the Camp Nou, FC Barcelona are currently playing their home matches the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic.

Match Info
FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona

LaLiga EA Sports 23/24 (Matchday 10)

Sunday October 22, 21:00 CEST

How to Watch
Find out where to watch Sunday's clash in Barcelona, from any part of the world.

Team News
Valverde has named a 23-man squad for the trip to Barcelona.

Peru Nolaskoain and Mikel Vesga remain on the sidelines, along with Yeray Álvarez.

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta is back in the fold after recovering from injury.

Valverde's Comments
The gaffer insisted Los Leones have the ability to come back from Barcelona with a positive result and urged his players to see it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

The Opponents

Head coach: Xavi Hernández

As a player, Xavi won all there was to win at Barça and is still the club's second highest all-time appearance maker with 767 matches for the Blaugrana. During his time at the club, the legendary central midfielder lifted the LaLiga title eight times, won four Copas del Rey and four Champions League.

He took over as manager in November 2021, replacing fellow Barça legend Ronald Koeman. Xavi led his side to LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup glory last season, his first full campaign in charge.

Recent form: WWDWD

Despite being third in the league, behind Girona and Real Madrid, Barça are the only remaining unbeaten side at this stage of the season. They racked up six wins and three draws. Their most recent result was a 2-2 away draw against Granada CF.

Previous Meetings
This will be the 185th LaLiga meeting between two teams that have only ever played top-flight football. Our first clash in the Primera División came in the inaugural 1928/29 campaign, with Athletic winning 5-1 at San Mames.

In 184 matches, Los Leones have registered 60 wins, 31 draws and 93 losses against the Catalan outfit.

The Lions have struggled on their trips to Barcelona, recording 17 victories, 10 ties and 65 defeats from 92 matches. 

Athletic have not beat Barcelona on the road in LaLiga since a 1-2 win in 2001/02 - Ismael Urzaiz and Santiago Ezquerro netting our goals. From our last five matches in the coastal city, we have suffered four defeats and picked up 1-1 a draw in 2018/19.

Our most recent victory over Barça in any competition came back in 2021/22 as we knocked them out of the Copa del Rey thanks to a 3-2 win in the round of 16.