A crucial game for both sides
Barcelona and Athletic Club will face each other in a high-profile matchday 10 clash in LaLiga on Sunday, 22 October 2023. The game will be played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the home of Espanyol, as Camp Nou is undergoing renovation works. Both teams are in the top five of the table, but they have different objectives and challenges ahead.
Barcelona are third with 19 points, six behind leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. The Catalan giants have been inconsistent under their new coach Xavi Hernández, who replaced Ronald Koeman in September. They have won four, drawn one and lost one of their six games under the former midfielder, scoring 12 goals and conceding seven.
Athletic are fifth with 17 points, having played one game more than Barcelona. The Basque side have been impressive under their veteran coach Marcelino García Toral, who led them to two Copa del Rey titles in 2021 and 2022. They have won five, drawn two and lost two of their nine games this season, scoring 16 goals and conceding 11.
A history of rivalry and respect
Barcelona and Athletic have a long and rich history of rivalry and respect in Spanish football. They are the two clubs with the most titles in the Copa del Rey, with 31 and 24 respectively. They have also met in nine finals of the competition, with Barcelona winning six and Athletic three.
The most recent final was in April 2021, when Athletic lost 0-4 to Barcelona at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville. Lionel Messi scored a brace and Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong added one each to give Barcelona their first trophy under Koeman. It was also Messi’s last title with the club before he left for Paris Saint-Germain in August.
The last time they met in LaLiga was in January 2021, when Athletic beat Barcelona 2-3 at Camp Nou. Iñaki Williams scored a stunning winner in the 93rd minute to give Marcelino his first victory as Athletic coach. It was also Koeman’s first home defeat in the league as Barcelona coach.
The key players to watch
Both teams have some key players to watch in this game, who can make a difference with their quality and performance. Here are some of them:
- Memphis Depay: The Dutch forward has been Barcelona’s best player this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 11 games in all competitions. He has also formed a good partnership with Ansu Fati, who returned from a long injury layoff in October. Depay will be eager to continue his fine form and help Barcelona close the gap with Real Madrid.
- Pedri: The young midfielder has been one of Xavi’s favourites since he took over as Barcelona coach. He has given him more freedom and responsibility in the team’s creative department, alongside Sergio Busquets and De Jong. Pedri has scored one goal and provided two assists in six games under Xavi, showing his talent and vision.
- Iñaki Williams: The speedy striker has been Athletic’s main threat this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in nine games in LaLiga. He has also scored three goals in three games in the Europa League, helping Athletic top their group. Williams will be looking to repeat his heroics from the last game at Camp Nou and exploit Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses.
- Iker Muniain: The captain and playmaker has been instrumental for Athletic this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in nine games in LaLiga. He has also been a leader on and off the pitch, inspiring his teammates with his passion and commitment. Muniain will be hoping to guide Athletic to their first win at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys since 2007.
How to watch the game
The game between Barcelona and Athletic will kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, 22 October 2023. You can watch a live stream of the game on ESPN+ if you are in the United States. You can also follow the live updates and commentary on AS USA.
