Barcelona faces hostile San Mames test in key title clash with Athletic Club

MADRID, March 6 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona travels to face Athletic Club on Saturday in a vital La Liga match that could play a major role in deciding this season's title race.

Barcelona heads to San Mames 24 hours after Real Madrid plays away to Celta Vigo on Friday - a match in which Alvaro Arbeloa's injury-hit side could drop points. If that happens, Barcelona would have the chance to extend its lead at the top of the table to six or even seven points.

Hansi Flick's team arrives in Bilbao after Tuesday's dramatic fightback against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, when Barcelona produced a 3-0 win after needing four goals to force extra time.

The effort came at a cost, as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde both suffered muscle injuries in the game and will be sidelined until after the international break.

Robert Lewandowski missed Tuesday's match with a broken eye socket but has been training with a protective face mask and could be available for Saturday's game. The versatile Joao Cancelo is expected to fill in at left back.

Athletic supporters are likely to give Barcelona a hostile reception after the Catalan club twice tried and failed to sign winger Nico Williams last summer. Williams will not feature, however, as he continues treatment for the pubalgia problem that has troubled him for around a year.

Bilbao also suffered Copa del Rey disappointment on Wednesday, losing to Real Sociedad in a semifinal that again exposed the team's struggles.

Injuries to Nico Williams, Benat Prados and Alex Berenguer have not helped, while key players such as Oihan Sancet, Inaki Williams and Dani Vivian have all seen dips in form.

Although the San Mames crowd would view a win over Barcelona as welcome compensation for an underwhelming campaign, Barcelona currently enters the match as the clear favorite. ■