A champions' homecoming with a new twist

Barcelona begin the home leg of their bid for a third successive La Liga title on Thursday night, welcoming historic rivals Athletic Club to Camp Nou for the first home match of the 2026-27 season. The fixture was originally scheduled as the season's opener, but was postponed because of Spain's run to the World Cup Final, which involved players from both clubs.

The Blaugrana made history last season by becoming the first team in the history of La Liga to win every single home game across a full 38-match campaign — a glorious record boosted by their return to their iconic stadium. In a beautiful piece of symmetry, their first home opponent this term is the very side they faced in their return to Camp Nou last November, a 4-0 victory delivered with a wonderful attacking display.

Flick calls up Rodri for the first time

Hansi Flick named a 22-man squad for the fixture, with the headline news being a first call-up for new signing Rodri, who is expected to make his debut off the bench in the second half in front of the home crowd. Alejandro Balde is back in the squad after missing the weekend's opener due to uncertainty over his future, while Marc Casadó, Álvaro Cortés and Héctor Fort are left out as they finalise their exits from the club.

Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji all miss out through knee injuries. Athletic will be without Unai Eguiluz and Yuri Berchiche, with Andoni Gorosabel, Dani Vivian, Beñat Prados and Maroan Sannadi considered doubts.

Terzic's first test in the Catalan capital

For new Athletic coach Edin Terzic, this represents the first major test of his reign. Taking over from long-serving Ernesto Valverde after a career to date spent at Borussia Dortmund, the German was chosen for his ability to work with young players — crucial for a club that relies heavily on its academy because of its unique Basque-only transfer policy. Terzic's debut was spoiled by Yuri Bercheche's early red card in a painful opening defeat to Sevilla at San Mamés.

Terzic was a bold, attack-minded coach with Dortmund, even in difficult away games. Whether he commits to the same approach at Camp Nou — something his predecessor at Barcelona consistently struggled to do — will be one of the tactical sub-plots of the evening.

Prediction

Barcelona (4-3-3): Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Fernández, Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Adeyemi

Athletic (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Yeray, Paredes, Berenguer; Jauregizar, Canella; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta

Athletic are something of an unknown quantity given their new coach, but a well-drilled and talented side should give the hosts a stern test. Still, expect the reigning back-to-back champions to get the job done. x2

"Kick-off is at 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), and 12.30am IST on Friday in India," the club confirmed.

The Blaugrana travel into the fixture in good spirits after a resounding 5-0 win away to Elche, and will be firm favourites to continue the momentum — though Athletic can never be taken for granted.