FC Barcelona is finally coming home. After more than two and a half years at Montjuïc, the renovated Spotify Camp Nou opens its doors —with capacity limited to 45,000 spectators— for a matchup loaded with history, tension and unfinished business against Athletic Club. The clash (Saturday, 16:15 CET) is not only a symbolic date for the Barça faithful, it also carries direct implications in the race for the top of the table.

A hopeful Barça, but with concerns in the medical room

Hansi Flick’s team enters the match needing a win to avoid losing ground on Real Madrid, current leaders with a three-point advantage. To do so, the German manager recovers two key players: goalkeeper Joan García, fully fit after his meniscus surgery, and winger Raphinha, now available after overcoming a biceps femoris injury.

García will return straight into the starting XI, replacing Wojciech Szczesny, while Raphinha could feature in the second half, especially since Marcus Rashford remains doubtful after two days without training due to a fever. Should the Englishman be unavailable, Ferran Torres will take over on the left wing.

Not all news is positive for Flick. Pedri is still out with a muscle injury, and Frenkie de Jong will serve a suspension after his red card at Balaídos. The coach will have to rebuild the midfield with Marc Casadó, Fermín López and Dani Olmo.

On the right wing, one major certainty: Lamine Yamal will start again after responding well to treatment for his pubalgia.

A motivated Athletic with Nico Williams as the main threat

Athletic Club arrives with high morale after Nico Williams’ brilliant performance against Real Oviedo, although the winger is still managing discomfort linked to his pubalgia. The player, who chose to stay this summer despite strong interest from Barcelona, returns to Camp Nou in a special emotional context.

Oihan Sancet is also available, though Ernesto Valverde will make a late decision on whether he starts. If not, 18-year-old Selton is expected to take the attacking midfield role again.

Who will not feature is Iñaki Williams, sidelined with a more serious muscle injury. Even so, the Basque team maintains a solid structure with Unai Simón, Gorosabel, Yuri, centre-backs Vivían and Laporte, and the double pivot Galarreta–Jauregizar. Up front, Berenguer and Guruzeta will complete the attack.

With two teams in full reconstruction mode, a Camp Nou eager for celebration and the fight for the top spot on the line, the buildup to Barcelona–Athletic promises a highly emotional afternoon. Coming home leaves no room for mistakes.

All the Goals