Barcelona have already wrapped up the La Liga title and they will finish a successful season with a trip to Athletic Bilbao, who have already secured Champions League qualification.
Both teams have cause for celebration, then, and Athletic and Barcelona will now be aiming to sign off for a win. Who will come out on top?
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona best bets
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona odds
Find the latest Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona predictions
Barcelona suffered Champions League heartache earlier this month. In one of the most thrilling semi-finals in the competition’s history, Hansi Flick’s side were edged out 7-6 by Inter on aggregate.
Barcelona held the lead when the second leg at San Siro entered stoppage time. However, Francesco Acerbi scored a last-gasp equaliser and Davide Frattesi grabbed the winner in extra time to send Inter through and Barcelona out.
Clearly, that was a disappointment. But it is important not to lose sight of what has otherwise been a fantastic season for Barcelona.
Start with Europe. There is no great shame in falling just short in the semi-finals, even if it is hard not to wonder whether Barcelona might have got through had they tempered some of their ultra-attacking instincts.
In the previous three campaigns, Barcelona suffered two group stage exits and one quarter-final elimination. This season’s last-four berth represents clear progress.
It is on the domestic stage where Barca have really shone. You cannot get better than a La Liga-Copa del Rey double. The Blaugrana also won the Supercopa de Espana, while they have beaten arch-rivals Real Madrid four times in three different competitions.
That is an impressive set of achievements in Hansi Flick’s first season at the helm. The former Bayern Munich head coach inherited a side that ended 2023/24 empty-handed, with Barcelona finishing a whole 10 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.
Flick has made an instant impact, which is not easy to do at this most pressurised of clubs. His status as an outsider has not been a hindrance as some suggested it might be; in fact, it has probably helped him overall.
Flick signed a two-year contract extension this week, committing his future to the club until 2027. A new deal (and probable pay rise) is just reward for his excellent work since his arrival last summer.
“This is just the beginning,” Flick said recently. “We have big ambitions in Europe, and we’re building something special.”
In the more immediate term, Barcelona will be keen to end the season with a win on the final day. A trip to Athletic Bilbao is never a straightforward assignment, though, and the Basques have their own desire to finish on a high.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona betting tips
Barcelona conclude their La Liga campaign against Athletic Bilbao this weekend.
Athletic Bilbao or draw
Athletic Bilbao have also had a fine season domestically, even though they must have felt a pang of regret at missing out on the Europa League final at their own stadium.
With a sizable 11-point lead over Real Betis in sixth, Athletic have been assured of Champions League qualification for a while.
Their home form has been key to their success. Ernesto Valverde’s side have only lost one league game in front of their own fans.
Having secured the La Liga title in gameweek 36, Barcelona suffered a 3-2 defeat by Villarreal last time out.
We reckon they will also drop points this weekend.
⚽ Tip Athletic Bilbao or draw at 7/10 with Spreadex ⚽
Over 3.5 goals
Barcelona have won La Liga in style. Flick has used a daring approach all season long, encouraging his defence to push high up the pitch and insisting that Barcelona play on the front foot in every game.
Flick’s team only need one more goal to reach triple figures for the season – and they will probably get it at San Mames.
Athletic Bilbao will also fancy their chances of finding the back of the net, as they have done in four of their last five top-flight outings.
With both teams in a celebratory mood, this promises to be an open and entertaining encounter in the Basque Country.
⚽Choose over 3.5 goals at 5/4 with Ladbrokes ⚽
Oihan Sancet to score any time
Oihan Sancet has been Athletic Bilbao’s leading goal-getter this season.
He has struck 15 times in La Liga, a tally bettered by only seven players in the division. That is quite an effort for an attacking midfielder.
Sancet has not found the back of the net in his last five appearances, but he will be keen to make a mark against the champions.
The 25-year-old scored in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign and Flick’s team will have to keep a close eye on his runs into the box.
At the price available, this looks like a good value bet in the anytime scorer market.
⚽ Back Oihan Sancet to score any time at 6/4 with SBK ⚽
📺 How to watch Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
- Location: Estadio de San Mames, Bilbao, Spain.
- Date and time: Sunday 25th May, 8pm.
- How to watch: Premier Sports 1, LALIGATV.
Read more about the 2024/25 football season
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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