On a crisp Saturday afternoon at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona delivered a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling Athletic Club 4-0 in LaLiga EA Sports 2025-26 Matchday 13Barcelona. The rout wasn’t just about goals—it was about resilience, tactical ingenuity, and the quiet return of stars who’d been absent too long. With Frenkie de Jong suspended and Pedri still nursing a hamstring injury, manager Hansi Flick had to rebuild his midfield from scratch. And yet, the Blaugrana didn’t just survive—they dominated.
A Midfield Made of Muscle and Mind
Without de Jong’s silky transitions or Pedri’s darting runs, Flick turned to Dani Olmo as the deep-lying playmaker, a role he’d thrived in against Celta Vigo just weeks prior. Olmo, usually a winger, dropped into the hole between the lines, dictating tempo with calm precision. Beside him, Eric García offered grit and interceptions, while Marc Casadó, returning from injury, patrolled the right flank like a veteran. It wasn’t the Barcelona of old—but it was effective. The midfield didn’t just hold; it controlled. Athletic Club, known for their high press, found no space. Not a single shot on target in the first half.
The Attack That Broke the Back of Athletic
Up front, Robert Lewandowski was clinical as ever, but the real story was the return of Raphinha. The Brazilian, sidelined since late September with a hamstring tear, came off the bench in the 58th minute—and immediately changed the game. His first touch was a feint that left two defenders on the ground. His second was a pass that split Athletic’s backline for Lamine Yamal to slot home. But the opener? That came from Ferran Torres, who started on the left wing after Marcus Rashford’s sudden illness. Torres, often overshadowed, delivered a perfect curling finish in the 22nd minute, his 12th goal of the season. By the 71st minute, Fermín López—the 19-year-old academy gem—had added a third with a low strike from outside the box. The fourth? A counterattack finish by Dro Fernández, a 17-year-old prodigy who’d only started two league games before this. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they roared.
Athletic’s Struggles and the Shadow of Nico Williams
For Athletic Club, the match was a nightmare wrapped in irony. Manager Ernesto Valverde welcomed back Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet from injury—two of his most dangerous attackers. But Williams, who nearly joined Barcelona last summer in a saga that divided fans on both sides, received a chorus of boos every time he touched the ball. The Camp Nou crowd didn’t forget. He was isolated, marked tightly by Jules Koundé, and never truly a threat. Meanwhile, Athletic’s defense—led by Spain internationals Aymeric Laporte and Daniel Vivian—looked brittle under pressure. Goalkeeper Unai Simón made three solid saves, but couldn’t stop the tide. The final whistle brought silence from the visitors’ section. No applause. No relief. Just the weight of another defeat.
What This Win Means for Barcelona’s Season
Barcelona’s 4-0 win lifts them to second place in LaLiga, just two points behind Real Madrid. More importantly, it proves they can win without their usual midfield engine. Flick’s ability to adapt has been quietly impressive—this was the third time this season he’s fielded a completely different XI due to injuries or suspensions, and the third time his side won by at least two goals. The youth surge is real: Yamal (17), Fernández (17), and López (19) now have 11 combined goals this season. That’s not a fluke. That’s a pipeline.
And while the Champions League looms next week, this performance may be the quiet turning point. The Blaugrana aren’t just rebuilding—they’re evolving. The old guard is still there: Lewandowski, Koundé, Balde. But now, the future is already playing.
Looking Ahead: The Road to December
Barcelona’s next test? A crucial UEFA Champions LeagueGroup Stage clash on Wednesday, November 26. They’ll face a resurgent Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Meanwhile, Athletic Club heads to San Mamés Stadium on Sunday, November 30, to face Real Sociedad—another top-half team with something to prove. For Valverde, it’s about redemption. For Flick, it’s about momentum.
Behind the Scenes: The Numbers That Tell the Story
- Barcelona’s possession: 68%
- Shots on target: 11 (Athletic: 0)
- Pass accuracy: 91% (Barcelona) vs. 78% (Athletic)
- Young players (under 21) who started: 3 (Yamal, Fernández, López)
- Goals scored by academy graduates this season: 18 (Barcelona)
It’s not just about winning. It’s about who’s doing the winning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Barcelona manage to win without de Jong and Pedri?
Hansi Flick restructured the midfield, moving Dani Olmo into a deeper role and deploying Marc Casadó and Eric García as a combative duo. Their disciplined positioning and high work rate neutralized Athletic’s press, while the attacking trio of Lewandowski, Yamal, and Torres exploited spaces left behind. The system shifted from possession-based to counter-pressing, which suited their available personnel better than expected.
Why was Nico Williams booed at Camp Nou?
Williams nearly transferred to Barcelona last summer, sparking intense backlash from fans who felt he betrayed Athletic’s identity. After weeks of negotiations and media drama, he ultimately stayed with Athletic. Though he’s one of their best players, many Barça supporters still see him as a traitor. His presence on the pitch triggered emotional reactions—not just from fans, but from players too, who reportedly warned him about the reception.
What does this result mean for Barcelona’s title chances?
The win puts Barcelona within two points of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga. More importantly, it shows they can win without their core midfielders—something they struggled with last season. If they maintain this form, especially with youth like Yamal and Fernández stepping up, they’re serious contenders. Their next five matches include three against top-six teams, so consistency will be key.
How significant is Raphinha’s return?
Raphinha’s return after a 10-week injury layoff gave Barcelona a much-needed spark. He’s their most dynamic dribbler and one of their top assist providers. His presence forced Athletic to adjust defensively, opening space for others. His impact was immediate—even without scoring, his movement created the assist for Yamal’s goal. He’s now fully fit and likely to start in the Champions League.
Who were the standout performers for Barcelona?
Dani Olmo was the unsung hero, playing as a deep playmaker and completing 94% of his passes. Robert Lewandowski scored no goals but held up play brilliantly, creating space for others. But the real revelation was Dro Fernández, the 17-year-old who scored the fourth goal and completed 8 of 9 dribbles. His pace and confidence suggest he’s ready for the big stage.
Did injuries affect Athletic Club’s performance?
Yes. While Williams and Sancet returned, key players like Iñaki Williams, Beñat Prados, and Maroan Sannadi remained sidelined. Their absence weakened Athletic’s depth, especially in midfield. The team looked disjointed in transition, and without their usual physicality, they couldn’t match Barcelona’s intensity. Valverde admitted post-match that they were "not at full strength," and the result reflected that.
- Nov, 23 2025
- Caspian Wainwright
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