Barcelona faces Athletic Bilbao this Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the 13th round of LaLiga, at Spotify Camp Nou, in Barcelona, Espanha. The game starts at 12:15 pm, Brasília time, and marks the return of the stadium after renovations lasting more than two years. Coach Hansi Flick confirms Robert Lewandowski as a starter in the lineup, after the Pole returned from injury and scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 victory against Celta of Vigo.
Barcelona remains in second place with 28 points, three behind Real Madrid, while Athletic Bilbao occupies seventh place with 17 points. The broadcast takes place on ESPN, on closed TV, and on Disney+, on streaming. Referee José María Sánchez Martínez whistles the match.
The confrontation tests the new structures of Camp Nou, with an initial capacity of 60 thousand spectators. Lewandowski has seven goals in the league and is looking to maintain his streak of four consecutive matches scoring.
Lewandowski leads the Catalan attack
Robert Lewandowski returns to the first team after recovering from a muscle injury in early November. The Polish striker has a 30% accuracy rate when shooting on goal this season.
Flick positions the captain as a central reference in the 4-3-3. Lewandowski participates in 40% of Barcelona’s decisive plays at home.
Athletic Bilbao prepares double marking with Laporte and Vivian against the Polish player. Valverde demands intensity in dead ball training.
The presence of Lewandowski increases the team’s chance conversion to 24% in recent games. The player has been practicing submissions since returning from Data Fifa.
Barcelona Defined Lineup
The 4-3-3 formation balances possession of the ball with quick exits from the sides.
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
- Defense: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde
- Midfield: Fermín López, Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo
- Attack: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford
Lewandowski acts as a pivot, with Yamal and Rashford opening spaces. Rashford has eight assists in the league.
Barcelona maintains 65% average possession in home duels. Substituições include Raphinha, fit after injury.
Athletic Bilbao compact strategy
Ernesto Valverde adopts 4-2-3-1 to prioritize defensive transitions.
Nico Williams exploits counterattacks on the left wing. The midfield with Ruiz of Galarreta and Jauregizar intercepts 53% of the opponent’s balls.
Guruzeta takes over offensive command without Iñaki Williams, injured. Bilbao have recorded three wins in their last six away games.
Valverde adjusts the low block against the offensive volume of Barça. The team avoids initial advances in visits to Camp Nou.
Impact of absences in midfield
The Barcelona records confirmed lows in the intermediate sector.
- Pedri and Pablo Gavi out due to muscle injuries
- Frenkie from Jong suspended due to card accumulation
- Marc-André ter Stegen in the final stages of recovery
These faults force adaptations with Bernal and Fermín. Lewandowski compensates with movement without the ball.
In Athletic Bilbao, Yeray Álvarez meets suspension. Beñat Prados remains treated for an injury.
Training sessions this week test reserves from both teams. Tactical balance depends on post-warm-up adjustments.
The history favors Barcelona with nine victories in the last 11 duels against Athletic. Lewandowski scored a brace on May 3-0, 2025.
Statistics indicate Barça average 14 shots per home game. The visitor scores in 60% of recent clashes.
The temperature of 18°C in Barcelona allows for a high pace from the start. Ingressos sell out for the reunion at the renovated stadium.
Recent LaLiga performance
Barcelona racked up two wins in a row before the international break. The attack converts 22% of the opportunities created.
Athletic Bilbao draws two of their three most recent games. The defense concedes 1.1 goals per game on average.
The result could bring Barça closer to the top of the table. Flick reinforces collective focus at press conference.
