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2024/25 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 2
FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Barcelona, Spain
Saturday, 24 August 2024
Kick-off is at 19h00
FC Barcelona will renew their rivalry with Athletic Bilbao in a
La Liga match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on 24 August.
Current Form
Barca claimed a 2-1 victory over Valencia CF away on 17 August as they extended their unbeaten run to five games in the Spanish top-flight.
Barcelona are also undefeated in their eight home matches in the league having seven victories and one draw at the Abanca-Balaídos.
Meanwhile, Bilbao were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe CF at home on 15 August as they extended their unbeaten run to three matches in La Liga.
The Lions have won two of their last three away matches in the competition while the other game ended in a victory.
Team News
Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are on Barcelona's injury list, but Barca have no suspension issues coming into this match.
On the other hand, Bilbao will be without injured players Álvaro Djaló, Oscar De Marcos, Ruíz de Galarreta, Nico Serrano, Julen Agirrezabala and Unai Simón, but the club doesn't have suspension worries.
Quotes
"It wasn't a good match for us. They were strong in the duels. We didn't play at the right pace. We were lucky enough to score the first goal in the first half," Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde said after their draw against Getafe.
"But when you don't have control of the game, they can trouble you with any long ball. When we tried to react, it was too late. You have to give Getafe credit. They're a complicated team, difficult to get past. They're very strong in any situation.
"More than looking at our opponents, we have to look at ourselves, at what we didn't do well to win. We have to do things better, the way we are used to doing them. LaLiga has started now and we have to be clear about that."
Head-to-Head
Barcelona and Bilbao drew 0-0 in their last meeting in La Liga with the match taking place at San Mames on 3 March 2024.
As a result, Barca are undefeated in their last nine La Liga matches against the Lions having registered seven wins and two draws.
La Liga matchday one fixtures
Friday, 23 August
19:00 - Celta Vigo v Valencia CF
21:30 - Sevilla FC v Villarreal CF
Saturday, 24 August
17:00 - CA Osasuna v Real Mallorca
19:00 - FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao
21:30 - Getafe CF v Rayo Vallecano
21:30 - RCD Espanyol v Real Sociedad
Sunday, 25 August
17:00 - Real Madrid v Real Valladolid
19:00 - CD Leganes v Las Palmas
19:15 - Deportivo Alaves v Real Betis
21:30 - Atletico Madrid v Girona FC
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