Team News, Injury Updates and Predictions for Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona on May 25, 2025

The final matchday of the 2024/25 La Liga season has a treat in store as Athletic Bilbao hosts Barcelona at San Mamés. The match is the culmination of a dramatic season for the two sides and has its own emotional, historical, and competitive narratives. From Oscar de Marcos' farewell to Athletic Bilbao's thrilling return to the Champions League, there is plenty for the supporters to look forward to in this match. Here is everything you need to know, from lineups and team news to odds and predictions.

Key Match Details

• Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025

• Time: 9 pm CEST

• Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao

Significance:

• Athletic Bilbao has sealed its first Champions League spot in 11 years.

• Barcelona wrapped up La Liga title with an incredible away record.

Both teams will play for pride and history, even though the league positions have been settled. It will be a true test of skill and determination as both teams look to end their season on a high. The players will be eager to get going and prove a point and play in front of a packed house.

Match Preview

The match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with strong attacking squads. Athletic Bilbao, or the Lions as they are commonly known, have a long history of producing talented homegrown players and a unique style of play that emphasizes teamwork and physicality. Barcelona, for their part, have long been identified with the tiki-taka style of play, where the focus is on quick passing and possession football.

The two teams have met numerous times before, and there is an acrimonious rivalry between them. They most recently met in February 2025 when Barcelona won.

Team Updates and Injuries

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao has been in decent form under Ernesto Valverde, having recently beaten Getafe 2-0 to confirm their Champions League return. The team does, however, have some injury doubts:

Doubtful Players:

• Yeray Alvarez (thigh strain)

• Nico Williams (muscle strain)

Barcelona

Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, enters the game with the La Liga title already secured. Despite some key injuries, the Catalan giants remain a team to beat.

Out:

• Jules Koundé (hamstring strain)

• Marc Bernal (knee injury)

• Ferran Torres (recovering from an appendectomy)

Doubtful:

• Ronald Araújo (muscular discomfort)

Predicted Team Lineups

Athletic Bilbao

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón

• Defenders: Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri

• Midfielders: Ruiz de Galarreta, Vesga

• Forwards: Berenguer, Sancet, Nico Williams (if fit)

• Striker: Guruzeta

Barcelona

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen

• Defenders: Balde, Christensen, Eric García, Cubarsí

• Midfielders: Pedri, De Jong

• Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Key Players to Watch

Athletic Bilbao

• Oscar de Marcos: De Marcos is appearing for the club for the final time and remains a fan favorite who will be at the emotional center of this game.

• Nico Williams: If fit, his pace and skill will be at the heart of Bilbao's attack.

• Yeray Alvarez: At the heart of their defensive solidity.

Barcelona

• Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker is La Liga's leading scorer this season with 25 goals.

• Lamine Yamal: Having found the net in the return fixture, everyone will be keeping tabs on this young prodigy.

• Pedri and De Jong: Barcelona midfield masters who control the tempo of matches.

Last 5 Matches Results of Each Team

Last 5 Matches Results of Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

• Jan 08, 2025: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona (Supercopa de Espana Semi-Finals)

• Aug 24, 2024: Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

• Mar 03, 2024: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Barcelona (La Liga)

• Jan 24, 2024: Athletic Bilbao 4-2 Barcelona (Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals)

• Oct 22, 2023: Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)

Key Storylines of Both Teams

Athletic Bilbao's Champions League Comeback

After an 11-year wait, Bilbao has qualified for the Champions League once again. Their players and fans will see this match as a celebration of their achievement.

Oscar de Marcos's Tearful Farewell

San Mamés will be filled with emotion as De Marcos wears the red and white stripes for the final time in what has been a legendary career for the club.

Barcelona's Imperious Season

Barcelona has not only topped La Liga but also boasted the best away record in Europe's major five leagues this season.

Previous Encounter

Earlier in the season, Barcelona earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao through Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal strikes.

Betting Odds and Win Probabilities

According to Stake.com, win probabilities for this encounter are:

• Athletic Bilbao win odds: 2.90

• Draw odds: 3.90

• Barcelona win odds: 2.29

Insights:

• Draw/Barcelona (Double Chance): 1.42

• Over 2.5 Goals probability offers 1.44 odds, anticipating an open, entertaining game.

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What Can Be the Outcome?

This San Mamés match will be a fiesta for both teams. For Athletic Bilbao, it's a farewell for Oscar de Marcos and their long-awaited Champions League comeback. For Barcelona, it's a chance to cap their great season on a high. Fans can expect a competitive, emotional match between these two historic clubs.