Barcelona will aim to kick off the 2024–25 La Liga season with back-to-back wins when they face Athletic Club on Saturday evening.
In their season opener at Mestalla, Robert Lewandowski scored both goals as Hansi Flick's side came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Valencia. The title hopefuls will round off August with matches against Athletic, Rayo Vallecano, and Real Valladolid before facing Girona in their first game after the September international break.
Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde's team will be looking to secure their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw with Getafe. Despite Oihan Sancet giving The Lions an early lead, they were unable to hold on for the victory.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
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Barcelona vs. Athletic Club live stream, TV channel in Canada
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in Canada:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: TSN+
In Canada, the game will be available to watch and stream live exclusively on TSN+, with plans starting from $8 per month or $80 annually.
If the game is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Barcelona vs. Athletic Club kick off in Canada?
This La Liga clash takes place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, and kicks off on Saturday, August 24 at 7:00 p.m. local time (CEST).
Here's how that time translates across Canada:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Atlantic Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 12:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 24 | 9:00 a.m. |
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club lineups, team news
Dani Olmo will hope to make his Barcelona debut after missing the 2-1 win at Valencia due to not having been registered in time. Whether or not he is available for this weekend will depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of completing a return to his former club Manchester City.
Pedri came off the bench at Mestalla and could be back in the starting lineup, likely alongside 20-year-old Marc Casado, who continues to impress in midfield. Should Olmo start, Raphinha is expected to move to the left wing, meaning Ferran Torres will drop to the bench.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK)— Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Pedri — Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Injured: Gavi, Araujo, De Jong, Fati
Suspended: None
Nico Williams is expected to start this game after coming on as a substitute in the season-opening 1-1 draw with Getafe. The Euro 2024 star may well be keen to impress against a side heavily linked with trying to sign him this month.
Fellow Spain international Dani Vivian may also come back into defence after having been given a longer rest following La Roja's triumph at the Euros in Germany.
Alvaro Djalo, newly signed from Braga, could make his debut after recovering from injury.
Athletic Club predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Padilla (GK) — Gorosabel, Paredes, Vivian, Berchiche — Prados, Vesga — I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams — Guruzeta.
Injured: Simon, Agirrezabala, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Oscar de Marcos
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs. Athletic Club prediction
Even with Lewandowski scoring twice in the opener, finishing remains a big problem for Barcelona. They created 3.22 xG against Valencia but only Lewandowski's 49th-minute penalty saw them through to three points. Athletic, meanwhile, profile as the opposite, needing very few chances to find the net.
This is a side that has troubled Barcelona often in recent years, winning their Copa del Rey meeting back in late January before playing to a scoreless draw in league play six weeks later. They will know how to keep Barcelona at bay in this match.
Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Athletic Club
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