WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth in the capital of Catalunya opens its doors for the first time for a competitive match this season as reigning back-to-back champions Barcelona begin the home portion of their La Liga campaign against historic rivals Athletic Club. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
Starting XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Espart; Fermín, Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon (4-3-3)
Substitutes: Szczesny (GK), Aller (GK), Christensen, Kounde, Cancelo, Balde, Rodri, Fariñas, Olmo, Adeyemi, Hamza
Starting XI: Simón; Rincón, Yeray, Laporte, Johaneko; Jauregizar, Canales; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta (4-2-3-1)
Substitutes: Padilla (GK), Paredes, Berenguer, Areso, Galarreta, Adama, Rego, Maroan, Navarro, Gere, Djaló, Monreal
Competition/Round: 2026-27 La Liga, Matchday 1
Date/Time: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 9pm CET (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Friday)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
Referee: Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias
VAR: Jorge Figueroa Vázquez
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (Spain), others
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!