Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are two of Spain’s legendary football clubs with a history of intense competition. They have faced off 253 times in various competitions, with Barcelona winning 119 times, Athletic Bilbao 99 times, and 35 matches ending in draws. This rivalry is rooted in their longstanding success in Spanish football, often battling for league titles and trophies.
The Upcoming Match
On Sunday, October 23, 2023, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao will clash at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, starting at 12:00 PM CET.
Barcelona aims to recover from their recent loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico. They currently hold the second spot in La Liga, trailing Real Madrid by three points.
Athletic Bilbao is positioned in eighth place in La Liga, having come off a 1-1 draw against Valencia in their previous match.
Visual Elements
[Image: Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao match poster]
[Image: Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona]
What to Expect
Barcelona’s Bounce-Back:
After their disappointing 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico, Barcelona is eager to rebound against Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao’s Unbeaten Streak:
Athletic Bilbao has been unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions and aims to extend this streak against Barcelona.
Players to Keep an Eye On
- Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona): The Polish striker is renowned for his scoring abilities, having netted nine goals in 10 La Liga appearances this season.
- Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao): This Spanish forward is an exciting player known for his speed, strength, and finishing skills.
- Pedri (Barcelona): A talented young Spanish midfielder celebrated for his vision, passing, and creativity.
- Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): Another promising young talent to watch, known for his pace, skill, and dribbling ability. He’s the younger brother of Iñaki Williams.
Projected Lineups
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergiño Dest, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, Jordi Alba; Gavi, Pedri, Busquets; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Athletic Bilbao: Unai Simón; De Marcos, Yeray, Vivian, Yuri Berchiche; Dani García, Mikel Vesga; Nico Williams, Muniain, Sancet; Iñaki Williams
Live Updates
The match will commence at 12:00 PM CET on Sunday, October 23, 2023. Below are live updates for the first half of the game:
- 10′: Barcelona comes close to scoring, but Lewandowski’s header narrowly misses the post.
- 15′: Athletic Bilbao has an opportunity to score, but Iñaki Williams’ shot is saved by Ter Stegen.
- 20′: Barcelona takes the lead with a goal by Lewandowski, who heads in a cross from Dembélé.
- 25′: Athletic Bilbao equalizes through Iñaki Williams, who scores a brilliant solo goal.
- 30′: Barcelona has a chance to score, but Raphinha’s shot is saved by Unai Simón.
- 35′: Athletic Bilbao threatens, but Nico Williams’ shot misses the mark.
- 40′: Barcelona creates an opportunity, but Pedri’s shot is blocked by Dani García.
- 45′: The first half concludes.