In the iconic San Mamés stadium, Sunday afternoon unfolds with a festive atmosphere as Barcelona, already crowned LaLiga 2024/25 champions, take on Athletic Bilbao in the final match of the season. Robert Lewandowski, the team’s leading scorer, struck twice within the first 17 minutes, showcasing his pivotal role in Hansi Flick’s system. Athletic Bilbao, secured for the next Champions League, struggles to respond but remains determined to fight back.
The match, part of the 38th and final round, kicked off with high intensity, with Barcelona quickly asserting their dominance. As Basque fans honor the farewell of club legend Óscar de Marcos, the Catalans aim to cap their triumphant campaign with another victory. The game, still ongoing, promises more thrills until the final whistle.
Key highlights of the match so far include:
- Lewandowski’s goals: The Polish striker scored at 13 and 17 minutes, solidifying his top-scorer status.
- Raphinha’s impact: Fresh off a contract extension until 2028, the Brazilian assisted the second goal.
- Athletic’s early pressure: Nico Williams and Unai Gómez created chances but lacked precision.
This clash reflects the contrast between a relaxed champion and a spirited Athletic Bilbao eager to end the season on a high note in front of their home crowd.
Recent head-to-head tilts toward Barcelona
The Athletic Bilbao-Barcelona rivalry is steeped in history, but recent encounters favor the Blaugrana. In the 2024/25 season, Barcelona defeated Athletic 2-1 in August at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Earlier in 2025, they also secured a 2-0 win in the Spanish Supercup semifinal. These results underline Barcelona’s edge in direct matchups, even in challenging away games.
San Mamés, however, remains a formidable venue. In the last six LaLiga visits to Bilbao, Barcelona managed only two wins, with three draws and one loss. The passionate Basque crowd and Ernesto Valverde’s aggressive tactics make every visit a test of resilience for opponents. The current match, with Barcelona leading, continues this storied rivalry.
A CENTURY OF BARÇA GOALS FOR ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI! 💯 pic.twitter.com/kzI2eSAeGI
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 25, 2025
Lewandowski chases milestones
Robert Lewandowski is enjoying a stellar season. His two goals against Athletic Bilbao further cement his status as Barcelona’s and LaLiga’s top marksman. By the 38th round, he had already netted 25 goals in the league, placing him among the competition’s all-time greats for a single season. His clinical finishing remains a cornerstone of Barcelona’s success.
The first goal came after a well-orchestrated move by Fermín López, who set up Lewandowski for a delicate chip over goalkeeper Unai Simón. Minutes later, the striker showcased his aerial prowess, heading in a precise corner from Raphinha. Lewandowski’s ability to capitalize on chances and lead the attack has been vital to Barcelona’s dominance.
Beyond goals, the 36-year-old forward brings experience and movement to the pitch. His synergy with youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Fermín López enhances Barcelona’s attacking fluidity. Fans, even watching remotely, celebrate each moment from the veteran, who seems intent on finishing the season with even more remarkable stats.
Raphinha marks contract renewal with flair
Raphinha, who signed a contract extension until 2028 on Thursday, took the field with extra motivation. The Brazilian winger, a mainstay in Flick’s lineup, played a crucial role in the second goal by delivering a pinpoint corner for Lewandowski. His performance underscores Barcelona’s faith in his long-term potential.
Since joining from Leeds United in 2022, Raphinha faced early skepticism but has since silenced critics. In the 2024/25 LaLiga season, he recorded 10 goals and 12 assists, proving his value in the attacking setup. His new contract, celebrated on social media, signals Barcelona’s commitment to his dynamic skill set.
- Raphinha’s season stats: 10 goals, 12 assists in 37 matches.
- Extended contract: New deal runs until June 2028.
- Game impact: Provided the assist for Lewandowski’s second goal.
- Tactical growth: Excels on the right wing and in central roles.
Barcelona fans see Raphinha as a blend of skill, grit, and dedication, qualities that have made him a favorite of coach Hansi Flick.
Athletic Bilbao fights for a comeback
Despite trailing, Athletic Bilbao remains resolute. Ernesto Valverde’s side started aggressively, with Nico Williams and Unai Gómez testing Barcelona’s defense, though their shots lacked accuracy. At the 7th minute, Williams fired over the bar from distance, followed by a wayward attempt from Ruiz de Galarreta a minute later.
Sitting fourth in LaLiga with 70 points, Athletic secured a Champions League spot for the first time in a decade, a milestone celebrated by fans. The match against Barcelona also marks the farewell of Óscar de Marcos, the club’s legendary right-back with 570 appearances. Though on the bench, his presence adds emotional weight to the occasion.
Valverde fielded an attacking lineup, with Sannadi leading the line and Berenguer and Williams on the wings. However, Barcelona’s high pressing and swift transitions have stifled Athletic’s efforts. The San Mamés crowd continues to roar, hoping for a second-half resurgence.
Timeline of key moments
The opening 22 minutes featured intense action and defining plays. Below are the standout moments:
- 00’: The match kicks off at San Mamés, with Barcelona controlling early possession.
- 07’: Nico Williams shoots from range, but the ball sails over Iñaki Peña’s goal.
- 13’: Lewandowski opens the scoring with a chip assisted by Fermín López.
- 17’: Raphinha’s corner finds Lewandowski, who heads in the second goal.
- 20’: Sannadi fires for Athletic but misses the target.
These moments highlight Barcelona’s early control, while Athletic Bilbao searches for a way back into the game.
Óscar de Marcos’ farewell
The match serves as the send-off for Óscar de Marcos, one of Athletic Bilbao’s greatest icons. The 36-year-old right-back, with 570 appearances since his 2009 debut, embodies the club’s Basque-only player philosophy. Though not starting, his presence on the bench has sparked emotional tributes from fans, who displayed banners and chanted his name.
De Marcos won titles like the 2015 Spanish Supercup and was known for his versatility and leadership. Before kickoff, Barcelona formed a guard of honor for Athletic, which reciprocated to salute the LaLiga champions. Both teams joined a pre-match ceremony honoring De Marcos, who expressed gratitude for his 16-year tenure in recent interviews.
Barcelona plays without pressure
With the LaLiga title secured two rounds earlier, Barcelona approached the game with a relaxed mindset. Hansi Flick, the architect of their 28th league crown, fielded most starters but used the match to test squad depth. Injuries to Koundé, Bernal, and Ferran Torres gave opportunities to youngsters like Cubarsí, who committed two fouls early on.
Barcelona’s 2024/25 campaign was defined by commanding performances, including a 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu and victories in the Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey, completing a domestic treble. The team finished with 85 points, 15 ahead of Athletic, and led the league with 99 goals. Flick’s tactics and the brilliance of players like Lewandowski and Yamal drove their success.
Flick emphasized the importance of a strong finish, even without stakes, in pre-match comments. The German coach, who took over in 2024, turned Barcelona into an offensive juggernaut, averaging 2.6 goals per game in LaLiga. Fans, watching from afar, revel in a season of triumphs.
Match remains open
At the 22-minute mark, Barcelona holds the upper hand, but Athletic Bilbao is far from defeated. The Basques ramped up pressure, with Sannadi’s off-target shot at the 20th minute signaling their intent. The San Mamés crowd urges the team to exploit the flanks, particularly through Nico Williams, a key threat.
Barcelona, meanwhile, relies on possession and quick counters to extend their lead. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, shines on the right, linking up with Raphinha to create danger. The defense, anchored by Ronald Araujo, who returned from a knee issue, has thwarted Athletic’s advances.
- Possession: Barcelona 62%, Athletic Bilbao 38%.
- Shots: Barcelona 4 (2 on target), Athletic Bilbao 5 (0 on target).
- Fouls: Barcelona 2, Athletic Bilbao 2.
- Corners: Barcelona 1, Athletic Bilbao 0.
The ongoing match promises more action, with Athletic pushing for a goal and Barcelona aiming to solidify their advantage.
Tributes set the tone
The atmosphere at San Mamés is electric, despite Athletic’s deficit. Beyond De Marcos’ farewell, fans acknowledged Barcelona’s title with a pre-match guard of honor, a gesture returned by the hosts. The mutual respect between these historic clubs adds a special layer to the occasion.
The game caps a remarkable season for both sides. Athletic Bilbao’s return to the Champions League after a decade, driven by stars like Nico Williams and Unai Simón, marks a resurgence. Barcelona, with a domestic treble, celebrates one of their most dominant campaigns. The presence of former Athletic players and Basque dignitaries in the stands enhances the event’s significance.
Young stars shine
The match showcases emerging talents. For Barcelona, Lamine Yamal and Fermín López stand out. Yamal, at just 17, has 8 goals and 10 assists in LaLiga, his pace and dribbling troubling Athletic’s defense. Fermín López, instrumental in the first goal, brings versatility to the midfield, with 5 goals and 7 assists this season.
Athletic’s Unai Gómez and Mikel Jauregizar represent the club’s future. Gómez, 20, attempted two shots early, while Jauregizar, 19, added energy in midfield. The Basque side’s commitment to local talent remains strong, with these youngsters poised to lead the next era.
- Lamine Yamal: 8 goals, 10 assists in LaLiga 2024/25.
- Fermín López: 5 goals, 7 assists in the season.
- Unai Gómez: 3 goals in 35 appearances for Athletic.
- Mikel Jauregizar: 15 matches in his debut season.
The focus on youth reflects both clubs’ long-term visions, balancing tradition with renewal.
