Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona Betting Tips [20 January 2022]

Athletic Club will have to bounce back quickly following a disappointing loss in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. The Basques were going for their second consecutive title in the competition but ultimately fell short to Real Madrid. They are faced with another elimination match here as they take on Barcelona in the Copa del Rey for one of the marquee matchups of the round of 16. The Catalans are settling into life with club legend Xavi as manager. Since taking over he has won five matches, drawn four and lost three in a mixed start to his European management career. His team are also coming into this match after suffering defeat to bitter rivals Real Madrid, as Barca were knocked out of the semi finals of the Super Cup in a thrilling 3-2 extra time loss. With both sides looking to bounce back, this should be a highly competitive and entertaining match in the fashion that only elimination cup football can provide.

Athletic Club’s results this season haven’t told the whole story with this club. Despite sitting ninth in the table with 28 points, they have actually been a very solid side and a team that a lot of the big clubs have struggled with - especially when having to play the Lions at the San Mames stadium. Athletic have made a slightly concerning habit this season of outplaying their opponents but failing to finish their chances. Sevilla, for example, managed a 1-0 victory despite only having a single shot on goal while Athletic created four clear cut chances, of which they unfortunately failed to convert. They will look to continue their strong home play against a Barcelona side that have been inconsistent away from home. Barca have only won three matches away from home in all competitions this season, drawing six and losing four. With the Catalan giants performing rather pedestrian while away from home, they could struggle in a notoriously tough ground to play in against a team that has been sneakily good this season. 

There is some decent value in backing the hosts to get a result here. Athletic Club +0.5 on the Asian Handicap will be our bet, meaning a home win or draw will result in a winning bet for us. Manager Marcelino deserves credit for the way his team performs against the bigger sides and we expect his side to put in an impressive showing here.