Laliga Title Race Heats Up

Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao: Live Updates and How to Watch

LaLiga Title Race Heats Up

Live Text Updates

FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are squaring off in a crucial LaLiga match with both teams vying for a Champions League berth.

How to Watch

* **TV channel:** ESPN * **Online stream:** ESPN+ * **Kickoff time:** 10:00 AM ET

Preview and Team News

Barcelona enters the match in second place in the LaLiga standings, three points clear of third-place Athletic Bilbao. The Catalans are coming off a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, while Bilbao recorded a 3-2 win over Osasuna in their last league outing. Both teams will be without key players for the match. Barcelona will be without injured stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, while Bilbao will be without suspended midfielder Dani Garcia.

Predicted Lineups

**FC Barcelona:** Ter Stegen; Alba, Pique, Lenglet, Semedo; Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic; Fati, Griezmann, Braithwaite **Athletic Bilbao:** Unai Simon; De Marcos, Yeray, Martinez, Berchiche; Vencedor, Vesga; Muniain, Williams, Raul Garcia

Key Stats

* Barcelona has won its last five matches against Athletic Bilbao in all competitions. * Athletic Bilbao has not won a match at Camp Nou since 2015. * Barcelona is unbeaten in its last 15 home matches in LaLiga.

What to Watch For

* The battle between Barcelona's attack and Bilbao's defense will be key. Barcelona boasts a dangerous attack led by Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati, while Bilbao has a solid defense anchored by Unai Simon and Yeray Alvarez. * The midfield battle will also be important. Barcelona's midfield trio of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Ivan Rakitic will look to control the game, while Bilbao's midfielders will try to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm. * The result of this match could have a major impact on the race for the Champions League. Barcelona needs a win to stay in contention for the title, while Bilbao needs a win to keep its hopes of finishing in the top four alive.