FC Barcelona News: 18 March 2018

MATCH PREVIEW: FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club Bilbao | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona, fresh off its impressive midweek dismissal of Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, has two primary objectives heading into Sunday’s home clash with middle-of-the-table Athletic Club Bilbao — to remain unbeaten for a 36th consecutive La Liga game and to maintain, or even to increase, its 8-point lead at the top of the standings.

Valverde: ‘Athletic are always dangerous opposition’ | FC Barcelona
“This will be a special game for me. They are opposition who grow amidst difficulty. They are dangerous, because they have great spirit, and they are tough to play against whatever form they are in. There are an important three points at stake; we’re in the final countdown in the season, we have the international break and then there’s a tough April coming up.”

Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets ‘best in the world’ in his position - Ernesto Valverde | ESPN
Ernesto Valverde says it will be difficult to replace the injured Sergio Busquets against Athletic Bilbao this weekend, labeling the midfielder “the best in the world” at what he does. Busquets, 29, broke a bone in his foot in the Champions League win against Chelsea on Wednesday and will be sidelined for the next three weeks.

When and where to watch FC Barcelona - Athletic Club | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona receive Athletic Club at the Camp Nou on Matchday 29 in the League. Ernesto Valverde and his team will seek to extend their unbeaten run in the domestic competition, which currently stands at 35 games. The Blaugrana have the opportunity to get closer to the all-time record of 38 games held by Real Sociedad from the 1980 season.

How Ernesto Valverde has given Barcelona a backbone | IRAIW
When Ernesto Valverde was appointed Barcelona manager the announcement received a mixed reaction from Cules. Some respected him as a tactician. Others felt the club could do better than the former Athletic Bilbao man.

Source: barcablaugranes.com