Barcelona vs. Athletic Club: La Liga Final Showdown
The 2024–25 La Liga season concludes with newly crowned champions Barcelona visiting San Mamés to face fourth place Athletic Club for the last game of the season in Spanish soccer. The Catalans lost a domestic match for the first time in 2025 against Villarreal in their last outing. Having already secured the league title, the defeat didn’t spoil the party atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, as Barcelona lifted the trophy following the game. Hansi Flick’s men aim to tie a bow on what’s been a near-perfect season with a victory in their final game.
Athletic Club’s Resurgence
Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club has been on the rise ever since he took charge in the summer of 2022. After finishing eighth and fifth in the past two seasons, three victories in a row have guaranteed they’ll finish fourth this term. Regardless of the outcome against Barcelona, Athletic has already secured their return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2014–15 season.
A Match with No Stakes
Although there’s not much on the line for either team, this matchup is still a premier contest between two of the best teams in Spain’s top-flight—a treat before the long summer break. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Athletic Club vs. Barcelona showdown on Sunday, May 25.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona: Last Five Matches
| Athletic Club | Barcelona |
|---|---|
| Valencia 0–1 Athletic – 5/18/25 | Barcelona 2–3 Villarreal – 5/18/25 |
| Getafe 0–2 Athletic – 5/15/25 | Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona – 5/15/25 |
| Athletic 1–0 Alavés – 5/11/25 | Barcelona 4–3 Real Madrid – 5/11/25 |
| Man United 4–1 Athletic – 5/8/25 | Inter 4–3 Barcelona – 5/6/25 |
| Real Sociedad 0–0 Athletic – 5/4/25 | Valladolid 1–2 Barcelona – 5/3/25 |
Current Form and Team Statistics
Athletic boasts the best defensive side in La Liga this season, especially since Spain’s starting goalkeeper Unai Simón returned from injury. With Dani Vivian leading the line, Athletic is a solid unit capable of stifling even the best attacks in the league. Oihan Sancet has been the focal point of Athletic’s attack this season with 15 league goals but is currently on a five-game scoreless streak and will seek to find the back of the net one last time.
Meanwhile, rumors are intensifying regarding Nico Williams ‘ potential exit this summer, but he could make a return to possibly play his final minutes with his childhood club. Athletic’s predicted lineup against Barcelona is a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Simón; Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchinche; de Galarreta, Prados; Berenguer, Sancet; Boiro; Guruzeta.
Barcelona’s Journey This Season
The La Liga champions will aim to add to their impressive 171 goal tally in all competitions this season. If they manage to score twice against Athletic, they will tie the 2015–16 team’s tally and secure a place among the most prolific goal-scoring sides in the club’s history. Unfortunately, Ferran Torres will not feature due to appendicitis, while Jules Koundé is expected to remain sidelined after a knee injury.
Robert Lewandowski is poised to lead the line, looking for a strong performance to boost his chances for his third European Golden Boot award. Meanwhile, Marc-André ter Stegen should get the nod between the sticks, with his future at the club still uncertain.
Match Preview: Strengths and Weaknesses
Athletic Club has a stout defense, but Barcelona’s attack poses a significant threat that could challenge the hosts’ back line throughout the match. Barcelona’s defense has been under scrutiny, conceding 16 goals in their past seven games. What to expect is an open contest, with both teams creating ample scoring opportunities. The visitors will be controlling possession, looking for Pedri and Lamine Yamal to produce magic, while Athletic will aim to exploit transitions.
Final Thoughts
This closing encounter of the La Liga season promises to be an exhilarating match with chances galore. Both teams aim to conclude their campaigns on a high note, making this a must-watch for football enthusiasts. A balanced encounter is anticipated, with the spoils likely to be shared between two Champions League-worthy teams.