(Getty)
Barcelona’s well-documented preseason struggles will be put the test this weekend when the Spanish La Liga season kicks off. Athletic Bilbao sealed an emphatic 5-1 Spanish Super Cup win this week, and will look to defeat Barcelona another defeat at the San Mames Stadium on Sunday.
As shocking as the Super Cup outcome was, it was even more stunning given how many key players were injured for Bilbao. Star midfielders Iker Muniain and Ander Iturraspe will likely miss the opener, too.
Barcelona are still the heavy favorites for the title and in this match. In last season’s fixture at San Mames, Barcelona ran out 5-2 winners.
Bilbao haven’t defeated Barcelona at home in consecutive matches since the 1997/1998 season. Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde helped Bilbao win their first trophy in more than 30 years. (Getty)
Who:
What:
Spanish La Liga Week 1
When:
Sunday, August 23rd
Where:
San Mames, Bilbao
Time:
12:30 p.m. Eastern; 5:30 p.m. GMT
Channel:
BeIN Sports (US)/Sky Sports 3 (UK)/Movistar TV Futbol (Spain): (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Athletic Bilbao 11/2, Barcelona 4/9, Draw 7/2
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals, Under (6/5), Over (8/13)
First Goalscorer: Athletic Bilbao: Aritz Aduriz (8/1), Javi Eraso (11/1); Barcelona: Leo Messi (3/1), Luis Suarez (7/2), Neymar (4/1)
0-0 Draw: 14/1
Both Teams to Score: Yes 4/6, No 11/10
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