Rival watch: Athletic Club star picks up red card vs Betis, will miss Barcelona clash next week

Barcelona have been handed a huge boost ahead of their game against Athletic Club next weekend, as Nico Williams has been sent off against Real Betis today.

The Spanish winger was yellow-carded for a foul on Nabil Fekir on the wing with Athletic 2-0 down against the Seville outfit within 38 minutes.

He clearly did not believe that it was a foul in the first place, let alone a booking, and started arguing with the referee. Nico then sarcastically clapped at the official, which earned him another yellow immediately, and he was sent off.

This will be a huge blessing in disguise for Barcelona, who have struggled to contained Nico in their meetings against Athletic.

He assisted Oihan Sancet’s goal and then scored the fourth in their 4-2 win against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Berchiche injured

Athletic’s starting left-back, Yuri Berchiche picked up an injury, as well, and was substituted out before half-time. Depending on the evolution of his injury, he could miss the Barcelona outing as well.

That said, the game is set to take place at the San Mames, which has been a fortress this season. Ernesto Valverde’s side have only lost one game at home all campaign, winning ten and drawing only two.

Only Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have a better record at home this season so far, who have not lost any game at the Wanda Metropolitano and Santiago Bernabeu, respectively.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are the only side in the league that are unbeaten away from home this season, winning seven games and drawing five.