Stat attack: Antoine Griezmann’s brilliant record against Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona travel to the Basque Country to take on Athletic Club later tonight as they look to rack up their second win in as many games in the 2021/22 La Liga season.

Despite everything that has been going on away from the pitch, Barcelona produced a fine display to beat Real Sociedad 4-2 in the season opener and will be hoping to repeat the exploits this weekend as well.

And one man, in particular, could hold the key for the Catalans when they step out at San Mames – Antoine Griezmann.

While it was Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay that grabbed the limelight last weekend, the 30-year-old Frenchman also had a good game even though he was not directly involved in a goal. That could, however, change on Saturday when he comes face to face with his favourite opponent.

Indeed, Griezmann has bagged 12 goals in 25 games against Athletic Club across all competitions – three with Real Sociedad, five with Atletico Madrid and four as a Barcelona player. It is the most that he has scored against a single opponent, while the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner also boasts six assists versus Los Leones.

All four of his goals for Barca against Athletic have come in his last three appearances. Griezmann scored a brace in a losing effort in the Supercopa de Espana final back in January earlier this year, before scoring the winner in a 2-1 triumph in La Liga in February. The 30-year-old was also on target in the Copa del Rey final in April, which the Catalans won 4-0.