Barcelona Unleashes Three Key Stars in Athletic Club Showdown for Super Cup Glory
Barcelona's journey to retain their Spanish Super Cup title kicks off with a semifinal clash against Athletic Club this Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.
The Catalan giants arrive as Spain's most dominant force, touching down in the Middle East following an immaculate 10-game unbeaten streak in domestic competition stretching back to early November. Barcelona will draw additional inspiration from their thrilling victory over Espanyol during the weekend's inaugural Catalan derby of the campaign.
The positive developments continue beyond their form. The reigning Spanish titleholders boast their strongest squad fitness of the entire season, with only Andreas Christensen and Gavi unavailable for Hansi Flick's selection against Athletic, though Ronald Araujo's participation remains questionable despite traveling with the squad.
Barcelona dominated Athletic Club comprehensively when these teams last faced off under two months ago, yet despite this recent history, Flick's squad cannot afford to take their opponents lightly. Following last season's domestic treble triumph, expectations demand a repeat performance, and Wednesday's victory would mark the initial crucial step toward that objective.
Here's Barcelona's potential starting formation against Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—The €25 million ($28.5 million) investment Barcelona made in García last summer appears to be exceptional value. The Spanish keeper is performing at world-class levels.
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender neutralized Nico Williams entirely during their previous encounter and will aim to deliver another stellar defensive performance on Wednesday.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The young defender has produced several strong performances recently, providing hope after an underwhelming beginning to the season.
CB: Gerard Martín—Barcelona maintains a perfect record across eight matches when the talented Martín features in their defensive core.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Balde's natural ability has been evident since his emergence years ago, but the attacking fullback has cultivated a competitive spirit and determined attitude that shone during the Catalan derby.
DM: Eric García—García currently seems to be Flick's automatic selection. The adaptable Spanish midfielder will serve as Barcelona's defensive anchor as he has throughout recent months.
DM: Pedri—Barcelona's creative genius will rejoin the starting eleven following a brief 30-minute appearance last weekend that confirmed his recovery from the muscular issue that sidelined him for 2025's final fixture.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's premier creative force contributed multiple assists in their last meeting with Athletic Club and will continue as the centerpiece of Flick's offensive strategy in Saudi Arabia.
AM: Fermín López—Fermín contributed to both Barcelona goals against Espanyol after beginning as a substitute. With Dani Olmo still regaining full fitness following injury, the academy product should earn the starting role in the semifinal.
LW: Raphinha—Raphinha appeared diminished when deployed centrally on Saturday, clearly demonstrating his effectiveness is maximized in wide positions. Marcus Rashford will step aside for the Brazilian to reclaim his preferred position.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—Lewandowski has been absent from Barcelona's starting lineup in their previous four domestic fixtures, but after netting his first goal in over a month, the experienced striker is set to spearhead the attack once more.
