Barcelona kicked off the new season of La Liga by defeating Real Sociedad 4-2 last weekend putting the whole Messi saga in the rearview mirror. While at Camp Nou Barca did well but they have a true test of strength coming up as they face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday which would be their first away match. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would also hope for second straight wins this weekend.
The Catalans were also without Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Aguero on top of the crushing debt that has piled upon them. Barca would now hope to repeat their Copa del Rey final win against Bilbao minus the six-time Ballon d'Or winner. Last Sunday Martin Braithwaite scored a brace and debutant Memphis Depay also performed well on the field what remains to be seen is how far Barcelona will fare without their former caption on their side?