Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona favored against Athletic Bilbao in semifinal

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The Spanish Super Cup resumes Wednesday, Jan. 7, as Barcelona faces Athletic Bilbao at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The La Liga leaders enter the semifinal as favorites based on recent form and squad depth.

Barcelona arrives with momentum after a derby win over Espanyol that underlined its balance at both ends of the pitch. The result reinforced confidence as the Spanish Super Cup takes center stage in the midseason calendar.

Hansi Flick’s side has also enjoyed recent success against Athletic Bilbao, including a commanding home victory earlier in the season. That result continues to shape expectations heading into this Spanish Super Cup matchup.

A place in the Spanish Super Cup final is at stake in Jeddah. [FC Barcelona Instagram]

Barcelona depth shapes semifinal outlook

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has flexibility across attacking and midfield roles, a key advantage in the Spanish Super Cup format. Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski remain focal points, while Fermin Lopez and Pedri offer rotation without a drop in quality.

Athletic Bilbao, which finished fourth last season, has struggled to establish consistency during the current campaign. Injuries have disrupted rhythm and limited options ahead of this Spanish Super Cup semifinal.

Several regular contributors remain unavailable, forcing Athletic to adjust its approach against one of Europe’s most in-form sides. The margin for error is slim at this stage of the Spanish Super Cup.

Goalkeepers draw focus in Jeddah

Attention is expected to fall on the goalkeepers, with both sides relying heavily on their last lines of defense. Barcelona’s in-form shot-stopper is set to be tested against Athletic and Spain No. 1 Unai Simon.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to be in attendance, observing players ahead of upcoming international commitments. Simon, however, is likely to face sustained pressure given Barcelona’s attacking depth in the Spanish Super Cup.

The winner advances to Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final, where either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid awaits. Thursday’s second semifinal will determine Barcelona’s potential opponent.