Barcelona Faces Athletic Club in La Liga Final Showdown

In a thrilling climax to the 2024–25 La Liga season, Barcelona will visit Athletic Club for their last match, following a remarkable year that culminated in them being crowned champions. Set to kick off on May 25th at 3 p.m. ET, this encounter at San Mamés promises to be an electrifying finale for fans from both sides.

Barcelona’s Journey This Season

Barcelona has had an impressive run this season, claiming the La Liga title with significant margin over their competitors. Under the guidance of coach Hansi Flick, the team celebrated their championship with a trophy lift after their last match against Villarreal, despite suffering their first domestic defeat in 2025. The Catalans are keen to finish the season on a high note by securing a win at Bilbao.

Having scored a staggering 171 goals across all competitions this season, Barcelona is poised to challenge their historical goal-scoring record. A pair of goals against Athletic would tie them with the record set during the 2015–16 season, putting them among the most prolific attacking teams in their history.

Athletic Club’s Revived Form

Athletic Club is coming off a stellar finish under coach Ernesto Valverde, having improved significantly since his arrival. Securing a fourth-place finish guarantees their return to the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15. With three consecutive victories leading into this encounter, Athletic is in fine form and looks to end the season on strong footing.

Their defense has been exemplary this season, spearheaded by goalkeeper Unai Simón who returned from injury, helping to solidify a backline that is the best in La Liga. Meanwhile, Oihan Sancet has been a key player in the attack with 15 league goals, and he will be eager to break his recent goal drought as the season concludes.

Key Match Details

The match will take place in the historic San Mamés stadium, with fans buzzing in anticipation. Here’s what fans need to know:

Date: Sunday, May 25
Kick-off Time: 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST
Referee: Pablo González Fuertes

Predicted Line-ups and Player News

For Athletic Club, the anticipated lineup includes Simón, with a solid defensive unit looking to halt Barcelona’s aggressive attack. The predicted formation is a 4-2-3-1, with players such as Lekue, Vivian, and Berenguer expected to play pivotal roles.

Conversely, Barcelona could field a lineup led by Robert Lewandowski, alongside key figures like Pedri and Raphinha. With injuries affecting Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé sidelined for the rest of the season, other players will need to step up.

A Thrilling Conclusion Awaits

While Barcelona may have an edge in their attacking prowess, Athletic Club’s sturdy defense cannot be underestimated. The final match is set to be a thrilling affair as both teams aim to finish their season strongly. With the stakes being relatively low, fans can expect an entertaining game filled with scoring opportunities and tactical battles.

As the season draws to a close, this contest stands as a fitting tribute to the legacy of La Liga, showcasing two teams ready to give their all on the pitch.

FAQs

What time does the Athletic Club vs. Barcelona match kick off?

The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 25.

Where will the match be played?

The match will be played at San Mamés stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

What is Barcelona’s current form?

Barcelona has had an impressive season, and they recently suffered their first domestic defeat of 2025 against Villarreal but still aim to finish strong.

Is Oihan Sancet fit to play for Athletic Club?

Oihan Sancet has been in good form despite a recent scoring drought and is expected to play in the final match.

What do both teams need to achieve in this match?

For Barcelona, they aim to increase their goal tally and finish on a high, while Athletic Club looks to cement their confidence heading into next season.