Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao face off this Wednesday (7) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, competing for a place in the Spanish Super Cup final. The match will kick off at 7:00 PM UK time at Alinma Stadium and is available to watch on Disney+.
The single-elimination clash pits Barcelona’s attacking firepower against the Basque grit of Athletic Bilbao, with both sides aiming for a spot in the grand final.
Barcelona Favored by History
Barcelona enter the semi-final as strong favorites, boasting a dominant record against Athletic Bilbao. In the last 10 meetings, Barça has won eight, with only one win for Bilbao and one draw.
The Catalan team will feature the return of their key attacking trio: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. Goalkeeper Joan García, who impressed in the recent victory over Espanyol, is also expected to play a pivotal role.
Bilbao Hopes to Pull Off an Upset
Athletic Bilbao are underdogs but rely on their collective strength to challenge the Catalan giants. Key players Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Gorka Guruzeta will be central to the team’s hopes for goals.
Historically, Bilbao has shown the ability to rise in knockout competitions. A flawless performance will be required for the Basques to replicate their only recent victory over Barcelona and reach the final.
What’s at Stake
For Barcelona, the match represents an opportunity to assert technical superiority and secure their first trophy of 2026. For Athletic Bilbao, defeating a team of Barcelona’s caliber would provide a major boost and momentum for the remainder of the season.
The semi-final is part of a single-elimination format, with the winner advancing to the Spanish Super Cup final later this week.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
