Barcelona v Athletic clash features reunion of Spain teammates, who shared a common injury and transfer speculation.
Following the international break, which saw Spain secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, La Liga returns for its 13th matchday. A key fixture sees FC Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou, marking a reunion between international teammates Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
The two wingers, close friends within the Spain national team as frequently showcased on social media, experienced complicated club futures during 2025.
A significant development emerged after the season began, as FC Barcelona‘s potential signing of Nico failed to materialise for the second consecutive year. The Athletic Bilbao number 10 had reportedly reached an agreement with the Catalan club, following weeks of speculation and tension in Bilbao, where his standing among some fans was reportedly tarnished by the Barcelona interest.
At FC Barcelona, Lamine anticipated his friend’s arrival, and ‘Blaugrana’ fans hoped to see the two national team forwards united. However, in an unexpected turn, the younger Williams brother renewed his contract with the San Mames club, disappointing both Barcelona and his Spain teammate.
Pubalgia: A common challenge for both
Despite failing to unite at club level, both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams started the season with aspirations of becoming key players for their respective teams. However, their progress was similarly hampered by a persistent issue: pubalgia.
“I am suffering from this injury, and I cannot perform at my best. I am doing exercises to strengthen it and I hope to continue improving. It’s a very difficult injury, anyone who’s had it knows,” stated the Athletic Bilbao player before the international break. The discomfort has affected his availability, leading to his absence in seven of the 16 matches for his club this season.
Lamine Yamal has similarly experienced pubalgia issues, a situation that reportedly caused friction between FC Barcelona and the Spain national team. He last played alongside Nico in Spain’s 6-0 victory over Turkey in early September 2025. Due to the injury, Yamal has individually missed four of the 12 matchdays in the Primera Division and one Champions League fixture.
Head-to-head history: Lamine Yamal in the lead
Barring unforeseen circumstances, the match on Saturday, November 22nd, will be the sixth official encounter between Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. To date, the FC Barcelona number 10 holds a clear advantage in their head-to-head record, both collectively and individually.
Of their five previous meetings, Yamal has been on the winning side four times: twice in La Liga with FC Barcelona (1-0 in October 2023 and 2-1 in August 2024), once at San Mames (3-0), and in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup (2-0). In contrast, Nico has secured just one victory, in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey 2023-24 (4-2).
In these fixtures, Lamine has scored three goals across three separate games. Nico Williams, looking to improve his personal tally, has registered one goal and one assist against his potential former club, both coming in the aforementioned 4-2 Copa del Rey tie.
