Rodri set for Barcelona debut as La Liga champions host Athletic Club

Barcelona midfielder Rodri is expected to make his debut for the club against Athletic Club after recovering from back surgery and returning sooner than anticipated.

Hansi Flick’s side began their defence of the La Liga title with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Elche on Sunday. The result provided an ideal start to Barcelona’s attempt to win the league for a third consecutive season, while also easing concerns created by the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Barcelona were exceptionally strong at home last season, winning all of their league matches at their own ground. It was the club’s first perfect home record in La Liga since the 1959/60 campaign.

Athletic Club arrive in Catalonia hoping to respond after a disappointing opening weekend. Edin Terzic’s first match as head coach ended in a 3-1 home defeat by Sevilla, with an early red card leaving his team facing a significant disadvantage.

Their record away from home was also among the poorest in La Liga last season. Only four teams collected fewer points on the road, while Athletic Club lost 12 of their 19 away league matches. They have also been beaten in six of their past seven competitive away games.

The recent head-to-head record favours Barcelona heavily. They are unbeaten in their past 13 La Liga meetings with Athletic Club, winning 11 of them. Athletic Club’s last league victory at Barcelona came in November 2001.

Rodri nearing first appearance

Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial 60m euros, but his first appearance has been delayed.

The Spain captain played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July before undergoing back surgery. Flick had initially anticipated that the midfielder would return in September, but Rodri’s recovery has progressed more quickly than expected.

Flick has indicated that Rodri should feature against Athletic Club, although he is only likely to play for a short period.

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

The Barcelona manager believes Rodri’s experience and leadership will strengthen his midfield, particularly alongside Pedri.

“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.”

Despite the 5-0 scoreline against Elche, Flick was dissatisfied with the amount of possession Barcelona surrendered.

“We lost too much possession against Elche,” he said.

The German coach is optimistic about the partnership between Rodri and Pedri and added: “Rodri is one of the best. We’ll enjoy having them together.”

Barcelona will assess Gavi before the match after he was substituted because of an injury against Elche. Athletic Club, meanwhile, will be without Yuri Berchiche, who was sent off during the defeat by Sevilla.