Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will look to book their place in the final of the Spanish Super Cup when they square up against Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
Defending champions Barcelona are eyeing their 16th Spanish Super Cup title and will be eager to get a step closer to it when they square up against Athletic Club, who have won the competition on three occasions in the past.
The Blaugrana are the most successful team in the competition, and more importantly, they are heading into this fixture in red-hot form. The 2-0 win over Espanyol last time out means they have now won each of their last eight games across competitions.
While they were not at their best against Espanyol, Joan Garcia’s exceptional shot-stopping abilities helped them keep a clean sheet, and late strikers from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski secured all three points. Now, they will be looking to clinch the Super Cup and continue their dominance in Spain.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club last won the Super Cup in 2021, and they did make it to the final back in 2022 as well. Having won the competition thrice, they do know what it takes to come out on top. However, going up against Barcelona won’t be easy. They lost 2-0 to the Catalan giants in the semi-finals last time out as well.
Athletic have done a decent job in La Liga, but their recent form has not been that great as they have won just one out of their last five games across competitions. They are heading into this one on the back of a 1-1 draw against Osasuna, and things do not really look that promising for them. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Hansi Flick has no fresh injury concerns, which means Andreas Christensen and Gavi are the only two unavailable with knee trouble. Ronald Araujo should be back in Barcelona’s squad against Athletic Club as he is back training with the first team after a short break to protect his mental health.
Barcelona will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will be in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will feature as the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi should partner with Gerard Martin at the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Eric Garcia will most likely continue in the centre of the park alongside Frenkie de Jong. The duo will form the double pivot. They will not only shield the backline but also look to dictate the tempo of the game.
With Garcia taking charge in midfield, Pedri could be pushed into the number ten role. Meanwhile, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal should feature on the flanks, and Ferran Torres should lead the line for Barcelona against Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, de Jong; Raphinha, Pedri, Yamal; Torres
Athletic Club
Ernesto Valverde will be without the services of Yeray Alvarez (suspended), Yuri Berchiche (hamstring), Aymeric Laporte (muscle), Benat Prados (knee), Unai Egiluz (knee) and Maroan Sannadi (knee).
Athletic Club will also line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Unai Simon will be in goal. Andoni Gorosabel and Adama Boiro will feature as the full-backs, while Aitor Paredes will pair up with Dani Vivian in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Ruiz de Galarreta and Mikel Jauregizar will form the double pivot. They will shield the backline and try to ensure that Barcelona midfielders do not dominate the ball too deep in their half.
Brothers Inaki Williams and Nico Williams will feature on the flanks for the Basque outfit. Oihan Sancet will feature in the number ten role, while Gorka Guruzeta should get the nod in the final third.to spearhead the Athletic Club attack against Barcelona
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Inaki Williams, Sancet, Neco Williams; Guruzeta
Key Stats
- Barcelona have won each of their last eight games across competitions.
- The Blaugrana are record winners of the competition, having lifted the title on 15 occasions. They are also defending champions, having defeated Real Madrid 5-2 in the final last year.
- Athletic Club lost 2-0 to Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup last season.
- When the two teams squared up against each other in the league earlier in the season, Athletic Club suffered a massive 4-0 defeat.
- Barcelona have only conceded one goal in their last five outings against the Basque outfit.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal
The 18-year-old has once again been one of Barcelona’s standout performers. He has featured in 21 games across competitions and has contributed to 20 goals (nine goals and 11 assists). If the Catalan giants are to win the Super Cup, the Spanish international will certainly need to step up and deliver.
Yamal was absolutely sensational in 2025, and he will be hoping to get off the mark in the new year when he takes on Athletic Club. With the World Cup coming up in six months, the teenage sensation will be eager to carry on in similar fashion.
Prediction
Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Club
Barcelona head into this semi-final as clear favourites, riding an impressive wave of form and confidence under Hansi Flick. Their ability to control games through midfield and exploit width with players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal should prove decisive against an Athletic Club side that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Athletic Club do have the quality to cause problems, particularly in transition and through the Williams brothers. However, the absence of key defenders and a lack of momentum could hurt them at this stage.
Barcelona’s superior firepower and recent head-to-head dominance should see them book their place in the final, even if the Basque outfit manages to find a way onto the scoresheet. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the Catalan giants.
