Rodri set for Barcelona La Liga debut against Athletic Club

Hansi Flick's team began their La Liga title defence in style by beating Elche 5-0 on Sunday. The result eased some concerns following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres and gave Barcelona an ideal start to their bid for a third successive league title.

Barcelona were almost unbeatable at home last season, winning every league match at their own ground. It was their first perfect home record in the competition since the 1959/60 season.

Athletic, meanwhile, arrive in Barcelona looking to recover from a difficult opening weekend. Edin Terzic's first match as head coach ended in a 3-1 home defeat by Sevilla after an early red card left his side with a major disadvantage.

Athletic's away record was also poor last season, with only four teams collecting fewer points on the road. They lost 12 of their 19 away league matches and have now suffered six defeats in their last seven competitive away games.

The head-to-head record offers little encouragement. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 13 La Liga meetings with Athletic, winning 11, while Athletic have not won a league match at Barcelona since November 2001.

Rodri ready to make his debut

Rodri is set to make his first appearance for Barcelona after joining from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial 60 million euros.

The Spain captain has had to wait for his debut after enjoying the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July and then recovering from back surgery. Flick had previously expected the midfielder to return in September, but he has recovered quicker than anticipated.

Flick confirmed that Rodri is likely to feature against Athletic, although only for a short spell.

"The plan is for him to play a few minutes in the game," Flick said.

The Barcelona boss believes Rodri's experience and leadership will give his midfield an important boost.

"Rodri has more experience, he's a clear leader," Flick said. "Together with Pedri, he'll allow us to control the ball and the opposition. That's very important."

Flick was particularly unhappy with Barcelona's possession against Elche despite the emphatic victory.

"We lost too much possession against Elche," he said.

The German coach has high hopes for the partnership between Rodri and Pedri, adding: "Rodri is one of the best. We'll enjoy having them together."

Barcelona will also have to assess Gavi after he went off injured against Elche, while Athletic will be without Yuri Berchiche following his red card against Sevilla.

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