Previews
SUN 08.02.2015
Athletic Club and FC Barcelona will face off in one of the games of the weekend in matchday 22 of Liga BBVA. After Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Atlético, the Catalan side will be looking for a win that would see them cut the distance at the top of the table.
The home side, meanwhile, downed Levante 0-2 last time out, and will be looking to get back to winning ways at San Mamés, where they have not won since matchday 11.
Team news
For this tie, Ernesto Valverde will be without the injured duo of Ander Iturraspe and Guillermo Fernández, nor the suspended Andoni Iraola. The visitors are without Douglas Pereira and Vermaelen, who are both injured.
View from the dugout
In his pre-match press conference, the home side’s coach said that "at home we always have more chance of winning. Last year a lot of big sides came and we beat them. We need to play to a high standard, which is one of our bases, and we have to take advantage".
His counterpart on the Barcelona bench respects his rivals, despite his side’s good form. "It’s evident that we’re enjoying a good time, but to go to San Mamés is always both difficult and special. Athletic are a difficult side, who put pressure on you and are strong in the air".
© LALIGA - 2015