This is anything but an ordinary match. Barça v Athletic Club comes loaded with countless storylines that turn it into an unmissable date for every culer. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve narrowed it down to 10 reasons why you need to experience this clash in person.

1 - Back home

There could only be one reason to start with: the long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou. Barça haven’t played there since 28 May 2023, and after the comeback was pushed back further than anyone wanted, the wait is finally over. On 22 November, the ball rolls again at the home of every culer. It’ll be a historic day worth being part of.

2 - Party time

The 90 minutes won’t be the only thing happening. The return home becomes a full-blown party from two hours before kick-off, at 2.15pm, when the gates open. A pre-match DJ, Figa Flawas just before the teams come out, the Orfeó Català singing the anthem, a special ceremonial kick-off, and The Tyets at half-time. A festival from start to finish.

3 - Get the shirt to prove it!

And on a day like this, the Barça players will be wearing a commemorative shirt. The first strip will feature, between the club crest and the Nike logo, a special inscription marking the match: “TORNEM A CASA” with a date to remember.

4 - Champions League quality

And on the pitch, a huge spectacle awaits. Barça and Athletic Club are Champions League-calibre sides with two of the best squads in La Liga. With former blaugrana Ernesto Valverde on the Bilbao bench, and players like Nico Williams, Sancet, Unai Simón or Laporte, Barça will have to bring their very best to celebrate the Spotify Camp Nou return with a win.

5 - Chance to go top

Another huge incentive lies in the table. Last weekend, Barça clawed back two points on Real Madrid after the latter's draw at Vallecas. Barça now sit just three points off the top. Beating Athletic Club would put the blaugrana level with Madrid (and provisionally top thanks to goal difference) piling the pressure on Xabi Alonso’s side, who visit Elche the following day.

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6 - First for Flick...

Saturday brings plenty of firsts, and one of them is for Hansi Flick, who will sit on the home bench at the Spotify Camp Nou for the first time. He has never coached a match at the stadium, not as the home nor as the visiting manager. He was already blown away by the reception from the fans at the open training session, and now he wants his first three points at a stadium where he hopes to be very happy.

7 - ... and several others

It will also be a debut at the stadium for a good group of first-team players. In two and a half years, the squad has been rejuvenated and new faces have arrived, players who have never experienced a match at the Spotify Camp Nou. From Dani Olmo to Marcus Rashford, via goalkeepers Szczesny and Joan Garcia, and not forgetting Roony, Gerard Martín or Fermín, for whom this will be no ordinary game.

8 - Fermín centenary

It’ll be a special day for everyone, but even more so for one. On the day of the last match at the Spotify Camp Nou, Fermín was on loan at Linares in Primera Federación, and now he is a fully established top-flight footballer. Against Athletic Club, if he plays, he’ll reach 100 appearances for the first team.

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9 - Many happy returns

Awaiting final updates from the medical department, there are two players close to being cleared fit, and both are key pieces for Flick: Joan Garcia and Raphinha. Flick has confirmed that the goalkeeper will start and says he expects to have the Brazilian available, even if only for a few minutes. Another big reason not to miss Barça v Athletic.

10 - London calling

Fresh from the international break, this match is a major test for a Barça side who just days later face a huge Champions League clash. On Tuesday, the blaugrana visit Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. With two wins, one draw and one defeat so far in Europe, beating Athletic would provide a vital boost ahead of a match that could prove decisive in the battle for the top eight.

Força Barça