Barcelona vs Athletic Club Lineups: Confirmed XIs, Formation & Team News

The Barcelona vs Athletic Club lineups are confirmed for the rescheduled La Liga 2026/27 Matchday 1 fixture at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday, 27 August 2026. Hansi Flick has selected a 4-2-3-1 with Joan García in goal, Pedri alongside Marc Bernal in midfield and Raphinha leading the attack, while Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Anthony Gordon start behind him.

Athletic Club also line up in a 4-2-3-1. Unai Simón starts in goal, Aymeric Laporte and Yeray Álvarez anchor the centre of defence, while Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams support Gorka Guruzeta in attack.

The confirmed selections create an interesting tactical contrast despite the identical formations. Barcelona have chosen a technically strong midfield and a fluid front four, while Athletic retain pace on both wings and a recognised centre-forward in Guruzeta.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club match details

For the wider Spanish title-race picture, read SportPesa Kenya’s La Liga 2026/27 season preview.

Confirmed Barcelona lineup vs Athletic Club

Barcelona XI: Joan García; Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart; Marc Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon; Raphinha (captain).

What stands out in Barcelona’s XI?

Pedri returns to the starting midfield. The Spain international partners Marc Bernal in the double pivot, giving Barcelona a combination of control, press resistance and progressive passing through the centre.

Anthony Gordon comes into the attack. He starts on the left, with Lamine Yamal operating from the right and Fermín López positioned between the lines.

Raphinha starts centrally. The captain leads the attack rather than beginning from his more familiar wide position. That should make Barcelona’s front line highly interchangeable, with Raphinha able to drop away from the centre while Gordon, Yamal and Fermín attack the spaces around him.

Pau Cubarsí returns to the defence. Eric García, Gerard Martín and Xavi Espart complete the back four ahead of Joan García.

Barcelona therefore have several ways of changing shape without making a substitution.

The nominal 4-2-3-1 can become more fluid when they have possession, particularly if Raphinha drops deeper and either winger attacks inside.

Confirmed Athletic Club lineup vs Barcelona

Athletic Club XI: Unai Simón; Hugo Rincón, Yeray Álvarez, Aymeric Laporte, Johaneko Louis-Jean; Mikel Jauregizar, Peio Canales; Iñaki Williams (captain), Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta.

What stands out in Athletic Club’s XI?

Athletic retain the Williams brothers in the attacking line, giving Edin Terzić’s side pace on both sides of the pitch.

Iñaki Williams starts from the right, while Nico Williams attacks from the left. Oihan Sancet occupies the central position behind Guruzeta.

That gives Athletic several potential routes forward.

They can play into Guruzeta and bring the three attacking midfielders around him, but they can also bypass Barcelona’s pressure quickly and release either Williams brother into space.

Guruzeta provides a natural centre-forward. His presence gives Athletic a more fixed reference point than Barcelona have with Raphinha.

In midfield, Jauregizar and Canales will be responsible for protecting the defence while also trying to move Athletic through Barcelona’s first line of pressure.

Laporte and Yeray provide experience at centre-back, with Hugo Rincón and Johaneko Louis-Jean starting on the flanks.

Barcelona substitutes

Barcelona’s bench includes:

• Wojciech Szczęsny
• Eder Aller
• João Cancelo
• Alejandro Balde
• Andreas Christensen
• Jules Koundé
• Brian Fariñas
• Dani Olmo
• Rodri
• Karim Adeyemi
• Hamza Abdelkarim

The options available to Flick are significant.

Cancelo, Balde and Koundé give Barcelona several ways to change the full-back positions, while Dani Olmo can provide another creative presence between midfield and attack.

Adeyemi offers additional speed further forward, and Rodri is another midfield option should Barcelona need greater control later in the match.

Athletic Club substitutes

Athletic Club’s bench includes:

• Álex Padilla
• Jesús Areso
• Aitor Paredes
• Adama Boiro
• Álvaro Djaló
• Beñat Gerenabarrena
• Iker Monreal
• Robert Navarro
• Alejandro Rego
• Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta
• Maroan Sannadi
• Álex Berenguer

Athletic therefore have several options for changing the attacking structure during the match.

Berenguer and Navarro can add creativity from wide or central positions, while Sannadi provides another centre-forward option if Terzić wants greater physical presence in attack.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club tactical setup

Both teams start in a 4-2-3-1, but their attacking plans are unlikely to look identical.

Barcelona should look to establish control through Pedri and Bernal.

Pedri’s ability to receive under pressure can help Barcelona move beyond Athletic’s first defensive line, while Fermín should look for space between the visitors’ midfield and defence.

Yamal and Gordon give Barcelona width and one-on-one ability on either side.

Raphinha’s positioning could be particularly important.

Because he is not a conventional penalty-box centre-forward, Barcelona can use his movement to pull one of Athletic’s centre-backs away from the defensive line.

That could create attacking lanes for:

• Fermín moving beyond him;
• Yamal cutting inside;
• Gordon attacking from the opposite side.

Athletic have a different threat.

Guruzeta can occupy Barcelona’s centre-backs while Nico and Iñaki Williams attack from wide areas.

If Barcelona commit significant numbers forward, Athletic’s ability to release either winger immediately after winning possession could become one of the visitors’ strongest weapons.

Three lineup battles to watch

Lamine Yamal vs Athletic’s left side

Yamal starts on Barcelona’s right and remains one of their biggest sources of progression and creativity.

Athletic must avoid leaving their left-back isolated against him.

When Yamal receives high and wide, Barcelona will look to create situations where he can either attack his marker directly or combine with Fermín and the supporting full-back.

Pedri and Bernal vs Jauregizar and Canales

This could determine which team controls the centre.

Barcelona want Pedri receiving frequently.

Athletic will want Jauregizar and Canales to restrict those passing lanes without leaving too much room for Fermín behind them.

If Barcelona can consistently move through the midfield press, Athletic’s back four could face long spells defending close to their own penalty area.

Nico Williams vs Eric García

Athletic’s threat on the counter makes this another important matchup.

Nico can attack space quickly when possession changes hands.

Barcelona therefore need good rest defence whenever their full-backs and midfielders push forward.

Eric García’s positioning — and the cover around him — will be important in preventing Athletic from repeatedly isolating him against Nico.

Barcelona and Athletic Club team news

Barcelona are without Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Roony Bardghji, while Flick still has considerable depth available from the bench.

The presence of Koundé, Cancelo, Balde, Christensen, Dani Olmo, Rodri and Adeyemi gives Barcelona several ways of changing both personnel and shape during the second half.

Athletic arrive at Spotify Camp Nou after a 3-1 home defeat to Sevilla in their opening league appearance.

Terzić has nevertheless retained the core of his strongest attacking unit.

Unai Simón, Laporte, Sancet, Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams and Guruzeta all start.

For more background on Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Unai Simón following Spain’s 2026 World Cup campaign, see SportPesa Kenya’s Spain national football team 2026 World Cup guide.

What the Barcelona lineup tells us

Barcelona’s selection suggests Flick wants control without sacrificing attacking speed.

Pedri’s inclusion strengthens the midfield.

Gordon and Yamal give Barça direct options from either side.

Fermín can attack central spaces.

Raphinha’s central role gives the front line freedom to rotate.

The selection of Bernal alongside Pedri should also allow Barcelona to keep two midfielders behind their more aggressive attacking players when the hosts have sustained possession.

The major question is how comfortably that structure handles Athletic’s transitions.

What the Athletic Club lineup tells us

Athletic’s XI is designed to preserve their most dangerous attacking qualities.

Sancet can connect midfield with attack.

Guruzeta occupies the centre.

The Williams brothers provide speed outside him.

That gives Athletic an obvious route whenever Barcelona lose the ball high up the pitch.

Instead of trying to dominate possession for long periods, Athletic may find their best opportunities by attacking before Barcelona have time to restore their defensive shape.

READ ALSO: Barcelona Squad

Where to follow Barcelona vs Athletic Club live

The confirmed lineups on this page should remain unchanged as the permanent record of the two starting teams.

Once the game starts, however, the score, goals, cards, substitutions and other match events will continue changing.

Use SP Score for the latest Barcelona vs Athletic Club score and live football updates.

Barcelona vs Athletic Club lineups FAQs

What is Barcelona’s starting XI vs Athletic Club?

Barcelona start with Joan García; Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart; Marc Bernal, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon; and Raphinha.

What is Athletic Club’s starting XI vs Barcelona?

Athletic Club start with Unai Simón; Hugo Rincón, Yeray Álvarez, Aymeric Laporte, Johaneko Louis-Jean; Mikel Jauregizar, Peio Canales; Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; and Gorka Guruzeta.

What formation are Barcelona using?

Barcelona start in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pedri and Marc Bernal forming the central midfield pair and Raphinha leading the attack.

What formation are Athletic Club using?

Athletic Club also use a 4-2-3-1, with Sancet positioned behind Guruzeta and the Williams brothers operating from the flanks.

Is Lamine Yamal starting against Athletic Club?

Yes. Lamine Yamal starts for Barcelona from the right side of the attacking midfield line.

Is Anthony Gordon starting for Barcelona?

Yes. Gordon is included in the Barcelona starting XI and begins on the left side of the attack.

Is Pedri starting against Athletic Club?

Yes. Pedri starts alongside Marc Bernal in Barcelona’s midfield.

Is Nico Williams starting against Barcelona?

Yes. Nico Williams starts on Athletic Club’s left flank, while his brother Iñaki starts from the opposite side.

Is Raphinha starting against Athletic Club?

Yes. Raphinha captains Barcelona and leads the attack.

What time is Barcelona vs Athletic Club in Kenya?

Barcelona vs Athletic Club kicks off at 10:00 PM East Africa Time on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

READ ALSO: Barcelona vs Bilbao La Liga prediction: Match preview, team news, key stats & h2h

Conclusion

The Barcelona vs Athletic Club lineups confirm two 4-2-3-1 systems but two very different attacking approaches. Barcelona start Pedri and Bernal behind a fluid quartet of Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon and Raphinha, while Athletic rely on Sancet, Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams around Guruzeta.

With both starting XIs now official, the key question is whether Barcelona’s possession and movement can control the game or whether Athletic can use the pace of the Williams brothers to punish the spaces that appear when the hosts attack.