Barcelona Vs Athletic Club [2-0] La Liga 2026/2027: How Hansi Flick Rotations Broke The Bilbao Defence – Tactical Analysis

Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, but the scoreline doesn't fully reflect the nature of the match. 

The Catalan side dominated for long periods and created numerous dangerous opportunities, but they faced a resilient opponent who maintained their composure. 

Unai Simón played a crucial role in keeping Athletic Club in the game. 

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 37th minute after a through ball from Pedri, before Fermín López added a second in the 81st minute, capitalising on a mistake by Aymeric Laporte.

In this Barcelona vs Athletic Club tactical analysis, we will explain the tactics of both coaches that tell the story of this match.

Barcelona Vs Athletic Club Lineups & Formations

Barcelona Lineup Vs Athletic Club

Barcelona started the match in a 4-3-3 formation, with Joan García in goal behind a back four of Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín and Xavi Espart, from right to left.

Marc Bernal, Fermín López and Pedri played in midfield, while Anthony Gordon started alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in attack. 

Barcelona's formation evolved with the substitutions.

In the 62nd minute, Hansi Flick made two crucial changes, bringing on Dani Olmo and Rodri, the latter making his Barcelona debut, for Marc Bernal and Raphinha. 

Jules Koundé and Karim Adeyemi then entered the game in the 80th minute, before João Cancelo replaced Pedri in the closing stages. 

These changes weren't simply time-management tactics; they helped Barcelona maintain control and adapt player roles at different points in the match.

Athletic Club Lineup Vs Barcelona

Edin Terzić, on the other hand, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Unai Simón in goal behind a back four of Hugo Rincón, Yeray Álvarez, Aymeric Laporte and Johaneko Louis-Jean, from right to left.

Mikel Jauregizar and Peio Canales started in central midfield, while the attacking quartet featured Oihan Sancet starting behind Gorka Guruzeta, while Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams started on the right and left wing, respectively.

The Basque side also made five substitutions during the game.

Álex Berenguer and Robert Navarro replaced the Williams brothers at the hour mark, before Adama Boiro and Beñat Gerenabarrena came on for Johaneko Louis-Jean and Mikel Jauregizar, respectively, 10 minutes later.

Lastly, in the 81st minute, Gorka Guruzeta made way for Álvaro Djaló.

Barcelona Build-Up & Ball Progression Tactics

Initially, Barcelona, ​​in the build-up phase, shifted to a 3-4-3 formation, with Espart moving inside, giving Barcelona a 3v2 advantage in the first third.

While Athletic Club pressed in a 4-4-2 formation, Barcelona shifted their focus to try and create space between the lines.