On 28 May 2023, FC Barcelona played their last match at the Spotify Camp Nou. Now, two and a half years on, the blaugrana are finally coming home. And they’re doing so with a proper blockbuster: Barça vs Athletic Club, always a special fixture. Kick off is an early one, at 4.15pm CET this Saturday.
For those going to the game, we have important information for you here, while those watching on TV will need our handy guide to times and broadcasters.
More good news
The first team’s return home, which marks coach Hansi Flick’s first game as Barça boss at the stadium, and also that of several of his players, is one the fans have been eagerly awaiting, with everyone itching to see the team winning on home turf again. Barça will be aiming to do just that with Joan Garcia stepping back in as starting goalkeeper, as the German coach confirmed in his pre-match press conference. Raphinha is also set to make it just in time for this very special occasion, while Marcus Rashford s unwell and remains a doubt.
Pressure on Madrid
Three points behind Real Madrid, Barça’s mission is clear: get the win and crank up the pressure on Los Blancos, who visit Elche at the Martínez Valero on Sunday.
And so, the Spotify Camp Nou is gearing up to be absolutely bouncing, with the fans ready to play their part. The mix of excitement about coming home and the hunger for another vital win promises a fiery afternoon of football, emotions running high.
Athletic Club aiming upward
Athletic, as competitive as ever, arrive in the Catalan capital knowing they’re facing one of the toughest trips in the league. Ernesto Valverde (once in the Barça dugout himself) brings his side intent on building on their pre-break win over Oviedo (1–0) and regaining momentum.
With a tricky start behind them (five wins, two draws and five defeats) the Basques are out to start climbing the table. And what better way than by breaking a streak that’s stood since 2001?
History points Barça’s way
They say stats are there to be broken, but the numbers look very good for Barça. They head into this clash with an excellent recent record against Athletic Club in the league. 20 wins and 3 draws from the last 23 home league meetings, including victory in each of the last six visits from the Basques! Athletic haven’t won a Liga match in Barcelona since November 2001, when they took it 1–2.
Barça’s homecoming to the Spotify Camp Nou aims to extend that run. Scarves at the ready, blaugrana shirts on, and back to the Estadi we go. The Spotify Camp Nou is ready to open its doors once again.
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