Barcelona will kick off their 2024-25 La Liga season on Saturday night against Athletic Bilbao, aiming to secure a second consecutive win.
In their first match at Mestalla, Hansi Flick’s side came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1, with Robert Lewandowski netting both goals for the Catalan club.
The Blaugrana, seen as title contenders, have three fixtures in August—against Athletic, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Valladolid—before facing Girona in their first game after the September international break.
On the other hand, Ernesto Valverde’s squad began the new La Liga season with a 1-1 draw against Getafe and is still searching for its first victory under the current head coach.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club live stream, TV channel in US
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the US:
- TV channel: ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language)
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo, ESPN app
In the United States (US), the game will be available to watch and stream live on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, ESPN app and Fubo, which is currently offering a 7-day FREE trial.
What time does Barcelona vs. Athletic Club kick off in US?
This La Liga clash takes place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, and kicks off on Saturday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. local time (CEST).
Here’s how that time translates to US time:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 10:00 a.m. |
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club lineups, team news
Dani Olmo will hope to make his Barcelona debut after missing the 2-1 win at Valencia due to not having been registered in time. Whether or not he is available for this weekend will depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of completing a return to his former club Manchester City.
Pedri came off the bench at Mestalla and could be back in the starting lineup, likely alongside 20-year-old Marc Casado, who continues to impress in midfield. Should Olmo start, Raphinha is expected to move to the left wing, meaning Ferran Torres will drop to the bench.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK)— Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Pedri — Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Gavi, Araujo, De Jong, Fati
Suspended: None
Nico Williams is expected to start this game after coming on as a substitute in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Getafe. The Euro 2024 star may well be keen to impress against a side heavily linked with trying to sign him this month.
Fellow Spain international Dani Vivian may also come back into defence after having been given a longer rest following La Roja’s triumph at the Euros in Germany.
Alvaro Djalo, newly signed from Braga, could make his debut after recovering from injury.
Athletic Club predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Padilla (GK) — Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche — Prados, Vesga — I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams — Guruzeta.
Injured: Unai Simon, Julen Agirrezabala, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oscar de Marcos
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club prediction
Even with Lewandowski scoring twice in the opener, finishing remains a big problem for Barcelona. They created 3.22 xG against Valencia but only Lewandowski’s 49th-minute penalty saw them through to three points. Athletic, meanwhile, profile as the opposite, needing very few chances to find the net.
This is a side that has troubled Barcelona often in recent years, winning their Copa del Rey meeting back in late January before playing to a scoreless draw in league play six weeks later. They will know how to keep Barcelona at bay in this match.
Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Athletic Club
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