Barca hoping Camp Nou return can spark Liga title defence

Barcelona can finally celebrate the reopening of Camp Nou, but manager Hansi Flick will only be satisfied if this event marks the beginning of a successful La Liga title challenge when they face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The Catalan club is hosting the match while sitting three points behind Real Madrid, following a patchy performance in the early stages of the season that falls short of the standards set during their domestic treble win last year.

With three international interruptions affecting the initial part of the schedule, Flick now has the opportunity to focus and address the issues plaguing his squad.

They have conceded 15 goals, surpassing the tally of nine out of the ten teams below them in the standings, and their forward line has also failed to produce the same spark seen in Flick's first season.

Getting back to their iconic ground is among various factors giving Barcelona optimism for an upturn in the near future.

Their last game at Camp Nou was in May 2023, after which the venue has been closed for two and a half years.

Barcelona aimed to resume play there by November 2024, yet delays due to building issues and additional complications pushed it back, forcing the side to use the Olympic Stadium as a temporary home.

"(It) will certainly aid us... for the future of the club, it is crucial, I commend all those involved in the project," Flick remarked.

In their most recent fixture, Barcelona secured a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo in Galicia, featuring a chaotic opening period followed by a much more composed second half, suggesting the approach they should adopt moving forward.

"That second period instils belief for upcoming fixtures, and this is exactly what we require," the manager noted.

Flick is eager for that assurance to enable the squad to implement their advanced defensive line flawlessly, as they managed consistently during much of the previous campaign.

"I often consider commenting on the views of specialists, ex-players, and past managers, but I choose not to, as it creates unnecessary distraction," Flick stated, acknowledging the frequent critiques directed at him regarding the team's backline struggles.

Since goalkeeper Joan Garcia suffered an injury, the team has not managed a shutout in any of their nine outings across competitions.

The keeper is set to feature against Athletic Bilbao to halt that sequence.

Forward Robert Lewandowski claimed a treble against Celta, and after a difficult beginning due to fitness concerns, his involvement provides significant reinforcement.

The experienced forward possesses an instinct for scoring that replacement Ferran Torres lacks, plus he facilitates strong links for Barcelona's wide attackers.

Young prospect Lamine Yamal remains uncertain after sitting out Spain's World Cup qualifying games due to ongoing treatment for a persistent groin problem, whereas Raphinha nears availability on the opposite side.

Even though Marcus Rashford has shone on loan from Manchester United, the Brazilian's drive and effort have been absent lately.

A challenge for Flick in this matchup is the absence of Frenkie de Jong through suspension, with Pedri sidelined by injury, leaving the manager without his preferred central midfield duo. Marc Casado and Dani Olmo are expected to fill those roles.

Whichever players Flick chooses will contribute to the fresh chapter of the stadium's legacy, 68 years on from the unveiling of its predecessor in 1957.

Player to watch: Alex Baena

Atletico Madrid's prominent acquisition from the summer window continues to adapt following a season start marred by knocks. The attacker's inventiveness might prove vital on Sunday in assisting Diego Simeone's team to break down the typically robust backline of Getafe.

Key stats

12 - Atletico have found the net in each of their opening 12 games this term, a feat not achieved since 1982

15 - efforts on goal by Elche's Rafa Mir, trailing solely Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe (21)

64.1 - minutes per league goal for Barcelona's Lewandowski, with seven to his name

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Valencia v Levante (2000)

Saturday

Alaves v Celta Vigo (1300), Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (1515), Osasuna v Real Sociedad (1730), Villarreal v Mallorca (2000)

Sunday

Real Oviedo v Rayo Vallecano (1300), Real Betis v Girona (1515), Getafe v Atletico Madrid (1730), Elche vs Real Madrid (2000)

Monday

Espanyol v Sevilla (2000)