Bilbao, Spain — Atlético Bilbao and Barcelona faced off in a thrilling finale to the La Liga season at the San Mamés Stadium on Sunday, May 25, 2025. With the championship already clinched by Barcelona, this match was more about celebration and nostalgia, especially for veteran Oscar de Marcos, who was making his 570th and final appearance.
The atmosphere was electric as both teams showcased strong line-ups. Athletic’s starting formation included Unai Simón in goal, Oscar de Marcos, and attacking stars like Nico Williams and Unai Gomez. Barcelona, under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, featured players like Robert Lewandowski and Pedri, aiming to cap off their title-winning campaign with a strong performance.
From the get-go, Bilbao pressed hard, creating early chances. In a notable play, Alex Berenguer found space on the right and crossed for Unai Gomez, but the assistant referee ruled it offside, a decision confirmed by replays. Barcelona, despite their strong position, struggled to dominate the game.
As the match unfolded, both teams honored Oscar de Marcos with a guard of honour, celebrating his remarkable journey with Athletic Club, which he joined as a youth player. The 36-year-old’s emotional farewell exemplified the bond between the player and the fans.
“It’s been an incredible journey, one I will always cherish,” de Marcos said tearfully after the match. “Playing my last game here, in front of our fans, is something I will never forget.”
Despite the emotional farewells, the game maintained a competitive edge. Barcelona’s goal tally this season had reached an impressive 171 across all competitions, and they were eager to add to that. Athletic, meanwhile, had found stability under Ernesto Valverde, and their defense was showcased as one of the best in La Liga this season.
“We’ve worked hard to reach this point, and we’re determined to finish strong,” Valverde stated pre-match. The coach was proud of his team’s achievement of securing a Champions League return for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
In the latter stages of the match, Barcelona’s relentless attacking play finally paid off, leading to goals that echoed their dominance throughout the season. As the final whistle blew, the celebrations began, not just for Barcelona’s stellar season but also in tribute to de Marcos’s legacy.
“Tonight was about more than just football. It was about honoring a legend,” Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick said in his post-match remarks, highlighting the respect both teams held for the storied career of de Marcos.
The match ended with a close scoreline, illustrating the competitive spirit of La Liga teams, even when the stakes were lower. Bilbao fans filled the stadium with chants, giving their veteran a heartfelt send-off under the lights of San Mamés.
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