The Supercopa de España has evolved from a casual summer tournament to a defining competition midway through the season. Tonight, FC Barcelona faces Athletic Club in the first semifinal in Yeda, starting at 20:00 local time in Spain, broadcasted on El-Balad via Movistar Plus+. This matchup will not only gauge each team’s current form but also the potential for gaining momentum and securing the first trophy of the season.
Barcelona’s Strong Position
Barcelona enters this match as the clear favorite. They are on a remarkable winning streak in La Liga, having triumphed in their last nine matches. This run has propelled them back to the top of the league table.
Recent Encounter
Earlier this season, Barça defeated Athletic 4-0 during a partial reopening of the Camp Nou. However, that scoreline may not fully reflect the match dynamics. Athletic wasted several opportunities in the first half and played with ten men after Sancet received a red card in the 53rd minute.
Key Player Absences
- Marc-André ter Stegen will miss the match due to last-minute injury concerns.
- Lamine Yamal did not train with the team recently.
- Athletic Club will also be without Yuri, Laporte, and the suspended Yeray.
Athletic’s Attack Threat
While Barcelona’s momentum appears strong, Athletic Club has the potential to surprise. Coach Ernesto Valverde has emphasized the attacking threat posed by the Williams brothers, who are expected to be key players in the starting lineup alongside Sancet and Guruceta.
Both brothers are reportedly working to regain their best form after previous injuries. Their presence could be a significant factor in the match’s outcome.
Defensive Concerns for Athletic
Despite their attacking capabilities, Athletic’s defense has shown vulnerabilities lately. The absence of key defenders further complicates their situation heading into this crucial semifinal.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, all eyes will be on the goalkeepers, who are also looking to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
