FC Barcelona has announced its squad for the final La Liga match of the 2024/25 season against Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Both teams had nothing much to play for after the home side secured 4th place in the league and Barcelona became champions a few weeks earlier.
Neither side will be under pressure to produce a result.
Athletic Club will not want to pick up any injuries ahead of Champions League football next season, and Barcelona can pick a team that mixes rotation with some starters.
We have seen this in recent games, allowing rotation and viewing squad depth and how they manage players’ fitness levels.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, recently returning from injury as is expected to continue to play, would anchor the team from the goalkeeping position, which would be the only consistent position group as changes will happen throughout the rest of the team.
This squad lacks some star power, however, as Marc Bernal, Jules Kounde, and Ferran Torres are unable to participate, with Torres recovering from appendicitis.
A plus is Ronald Araujo returns after missing last week’s game with a slight knee issue, which will help with selection and defensive options.
Flick might use this game to give minutes to players who could be facing summer departures, including Inaki Pena, who has received interest from Celta Vigo.
Marc Casado has returned to full health and will likely play a significant part, which would be a welcome addition for the young midfielder.
Two young prospects, Juan Hernandez and Pedro Fernandez, trained with the senior team but were not part of the final squad of 23, despite having shown Flick encouraging signs.
With Barcelona’s title already won and a total of a phenomenal 42 points from 18 away games, this rather loose tie in Bilbao may allow Flick the opportunity to experiment while conducting the team in a continuing rhythm.
The match also represents an emotional farewell for some players as they end a successful season.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ โ #AthleticBarรงa pic.twitter.com/HDy3bX0SQs
โ FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 25, 2025
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