Athletic Bilbao head into the final matchday of the La Liga season, against champions Barcelona, having already secured UCL qualification.
They’ll be eager to finish strong at San Mamés, where they’ve been tough to beat, losing just once in their last 12 home matches. Bilbao have also won their last three games, finding the net consistently, but they know the scale of the task ahead.
Despite their historic edge at home in this fixture, having beaten Barcelona 57 times in 119 meetings at San Mamés, they’ve been second-best this season, losing both previous encounters to the Catalans.
For Barcelona, the pressure is off. La Liga is already wrapped up, and this match is a chance for Hansi Flick to cap off a title-winning season in style.
Barca have been ruthless going forward, scoring in each of their last 35 games, and their away form has been rock-solid, with only two losses in their last 20 league outings.
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.
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: –
- Live stream: ESPN+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in English language in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN+.
You can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Athletic Club vs. Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, May 25 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, May 25 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, May 25 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, May 25 | 1:00 p.m.. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, May 25 | 12:00 p.m. |
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona predicted lineups, team news
Athletic Bilbao face a few fitness concerns heading into their final match of the season. Star winger Nico Williams, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, is a major doubt due to a groin problem.
Meanwhile, centre-back Yeray Alvarez may not recover in time from a thigh injury that has sidelined him recently. These absences could leave Ernesto Valverde with some tough decisions to make, especially against a Barcelona side that has beaten them twice already this season.
Athletic Bilbao predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Simon (GK) — Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche — de Galarreta, Prados — Berenguer, Sancet, Williams — Guruzeta.
Injured: Williams (doubt), Alvarez (doubt)
Suspended: None
Barcelona, already crowned champions, are expected to stick with a strong lineup under the ever-demanding Hansi Flick. Despite the absentees, Marc Bernal, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, and Ferran Torres, the German coach has build the his high standards.
So, don’t expect the title-winners to ease up despite the title being secured. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who returned from injury to feature last weekend, should continue in goal, while Flick has hinted at maintaining a competitive side to end the season on a high.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) — Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin — Gavi, Pedri — Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Araujo, Rodriguez, Bernal, Kounde, Torres
Suspended: None.
La Liga fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, May 24
- Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad (10:15 a.m.)
- Espanyol vs. Las Palmas (12:30 p.m.)
- Leganés vs. Real Valladolid (12:30 p.m.)
- Deportivo Alavés vs. Osasuna (3:00 p.m.)
- Getafe vs. Celta Vigo (3:00 p.m.)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Mallorca (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, May 25
- Girona vs. Atlético Madrid (8:00 a.m.)
- Villarreal vs. Sevilla (10:15 a.m.)
- Athletic Club vs. Barcelona (3:00 p.m.)
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