Athletic Club - Barcelona 25-05-2025 

One last fiesta before the holidays?

The final match of the La Liga season offers a classic clash between two of Spain's most traditional clubs. Both Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona have already secured their respective goals: the Basques are qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over a decade, while the Catalans have already been crowned league champions. Nevertheless, there is a lot of honour and pride at stake when these two teams meet at San Mamés.

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao have had an impressive season under Ernesto Valverde. The team has been solid defensively, conceding just 26 goals in 37 games, and have kept a clean sheet in their last five league games. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been a key player, keeping 10 clean sheets this season.

Offensively, Oihan Sancet has been a key contributor, and Nico Williams has proven to be a creative force on the wing. The team has been strong at home, with only one loss at San Mamés this season. 11 wins and 6 draws at home make them one of the league's best home teams.

The midfield of Mikel Jauregizar and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta has provided great work capacity and balance. At the same time, Yeray Álvarez and Vivian have been rock solid at the back. There is little indication that Athletic will take this match lightly – this is about ending the season in style.

Barcelona

Barcelona have enjoyed a successful season under Hansi Flick, winning La Liga and other domestic trophies. Robert Lewandowski has been in fine form, scoring 25 league goals, but has not scored since April 9. He now has 99 goals for the club and will be motivated to reach the 100-goal milestone.

Flick has been good at rotation throughout the season, and in this match, playing time for several youngsters is expected. Fermín López, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are all expected to start, these players you wouldn't believe were still youngsters. The younger players have delivered – and will use this as an audition for next season.

Barcelona have been solid away from home this season, but not flawless. They can struggle against teams that dare to press and disrupt the rhythm. With the league title decided, it is also possible that the intensity is a little lower, but they will also want to finish this season in style.

History and battle scene

The last five head-to-head matches in the league have ended with four wins for Barcelona and one draw. But the last two at San Mamés have been close: 0–2 (cup) and 0–0 (league). Athletic have shown that they can resist – and with more confidence now than in a long time, they can play with greater conviction.

The match picture points to an open and offensive match. Both teams can afford to let loose, and both have technical and creative players who thrive when everything is not at stake. This opens up for goals, and perhaps also chances at both ends.

The fight means little, but that doesn't mean the market is dead.

With two teams without pressure, but with quality, motivation and a desire to finish, this points towards goals. Athletic would like to give the crowd something to cheer for, and Lewandowski is chasing goal no. 100. Barcelona have offensive profiles across the board – and a goalkeeper who will probably be rotated out.

Short bets are a more uncertain market, with little at stake and many young players, the temperature can be low. Corners are interesting, but the odds are not good enough. The most solid bet here is goals. Both teams have scored in four of the last five meetings, and this is a typical match picture for goals at both ends. Especially when Athletic get ahead and Barcelona get transition space.

Everything points to one thing;

La Liga at 21:00: Athletic Club - Barcelona: Over 2.5 goals & both teams to score (1.76)

Alternative games:

La Liga at 21:00: Athletic Club – Barcelona: Over 3.5 goals (2.28)

La Liga at 21:00: Athletic Club – Barcelona: Lewandowski scores at any time (2.10)

He's on 99 goals. These kinds of milestones mean something to players - and to teammates who will give him the opportunity. Lewandowski will probably get 70+ minutes at his peak, and then the value is good.