There is a Clasico on the La Liga schedule this week when Barcelona hosts Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Barcelona is looking to rebound and keep the La Liga title race tight, while Athletic Bilbao are looking to announce their presence in the Europa League race. This game will air live on beIN SPORTS at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Entering Sunday, June 21, 2020, Barcelona sits in first place, on 65 points, but are just three points ahead of Real Madrid. A win by Real Madrid on Sunday, at Real Sociedad, will catapult Madrid atop the table. Barca were the first to slip up and will now need Real Madrid to slip up if they want to bring home the La Liga title.
Athletic Bilbao sit in ninth place, on 42 points, and are right in the thick of the Europa League race. Bilbao are just five points back of seventh place Villarreal for that final Europa League spot and are just six points behind fifth place Getafe.
Below is my pick for the La Liga action between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao. All odds are from BetRivers Sportsbook Colorado.
Barcelona (-290) vs Athletic Bilbao (+750) Draw (+410)
Barcelona had their first slip up since the restart with a 0-0 draw at Sevilla. Neither team really threatened to score in what was a pretty dull affair. Barca now has two wins and one draw since the restart but have yet to give up a goal. Barcelona is the best home club in Spain thanks to an unbeaten 14-1-o record and 43 points.
Athletic Bilbao remained unbeaten since the restart with a tough 1-0 home win over Real Betis. Inigo Martinez got the scoring started with a seventh minute goal and that was all Bilbao needed to get all three points. Real Betis had the chance to tie the game up with a penalty in 86th minute, but Sergio Canales skied the ball over the crossbar.
Series History: These two clubs have met 227 times in the past and it is Barcelona who holds a commanding 113-38-76 advantage. Athletic has won both meetings this season, winning 1-0 on the opening matchday and 1-0 in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Soccer Prediction: I like Barcelona to get back on track with a win at home.
2020 Results: 55-45