Athletic-FC Barcelona: A very heated duel in the Super Cup semi-final

​The games between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona have long been full of extra-sporting incentives. It must be assumed that, in football terms, they are the two dominant clubs in the Copa del Rey and the clashes between them in this competition are frenetic. Likewise, the disputes in the offices between both entities have only served to heat up the clashes.

They have not faced each other in the Spanish Super Cup for 4 years, when they met in the final of the tournament. The cat in the bag went to 'Los Leones', as they won 2-3 in a match in which Lionel Messi was sent off for assaulting Asier Villalibre. However, in the second matchday of LaLiga, Hansi Flick's pupils beat Valverde's men (2-1) in Nico Williams' visit to Montjuic after all the rumours of the summer. This Wednesday, in Jeddah, they will compete for a place in the final of the tournament at 8:00 p.m. at the Abdullah Sport City Stadium.

Barça, with Olmo and Pau Víctor in the squad

In the context of the club's legal dispute with LaLiga, the RFEF and the CSD; as well as the opposition's request for resignation against Laporta; Barça is working on the sporting side. They started the year with a comfortable victory against Barbastro who, despite the differences in division and squads, these types of matches are usually very tough. The Catalans managed to win with a solid (0-4).

After the victory in the Copa del Rey, it is time to go for the Super Cup, with the possibility of winning a title after 180 minutes. The first challenge will be to beat Athletic in the semi-final. For this, as well as for a hypothetical final, Hansi Flick has called up the entire squad except for Ter Stegen. In Saudi Arabia, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Héctor Fort and Andreas Christensen are expected to be given the medical all-clear.

Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor have also travelled, although they are not yet registered. On the one hand, their presence could be good for them and the group to be more united. In addition, if some avenue is unblocked and they can play, they would already be fully prepared to help their teammates on the pitch.

Athletic will seek to return to a Super Cup final after 4 years

The Bilbao team is back in the tournament after four years without playing. They reach the semi-final after eliminating Logroñés in the Copa del Rey on penalties. They are in good form, as they have not lost since October 6 against Girona (2-1). In total, out of 15 matches since that date, they have won 11 and drawn 4. In addition, they are in fourth place in the league table, just 2 points behind Barça.

Ernesto Valverde had almost all of his squad available for this match when he arrived in Saudi Arabia. Yeray, Ruiz de Galarreta and Sancet are doubtful as they are recovering from their respective injuries, although it is not ruled out that they could play. Likewise, Alex Padilla, who was the starting goalkeeper at Montjuic, did not travel because he is still waiting to sort out his future. However, already in the Middle East, a problem arose with Nico Williams. The winger did not train with his teammates as a precaution as, according to the red-and-white team, he has a bruise on his left ankle. A serious last-minute problem

Without a doubt, it will be a match that, in addition to the culés and leones, every football fan must see, as the football level is very high. So, this Wednesday, at 8:00 p.m., at the Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Athletic Club and FC Barcelona will fight for a place in the Spanish Super Cup final. A great match.

Match details

• All the information about the match: Athletic Club - FC Barcelona  
• Competition: Spanish Super Cup
• Squad: List of players called up   
• Possible lineups: Athletic and Barça XIs   
• Stadium: Abdullah Sport City Stadium, 62,345 spectators
• Referee: Ortiz Arias (Madrid Committee)   
• Schedule and TV: When and where to watch the match - World Guide   
• Tickets: Buy tickets to watch Athletic Club vs Barça
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