Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention to Super Cup duties on Wednesday night, Barcelona will meet Athletic Bilbao in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona
Starting with Barcelona, making real history last season as they reclaimed their La Liga crown, the Spanish giants have embarked on a real fairytale since Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia. Last seen getting the New Year underway with a late 2-0 victory away at bitter local rivals Espanyol, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent. Once again leading the chase at the top of the La Liga standings, the reigning Spanish champions are riding a major wave of momentum. Signing off 2025 with another 2-0 win against Villarreal, Barcelona have won all of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. With their sights set on completing a famous domestic silverware sweep this season, Flick’s superstar squad will be confident of laying down another marker when they travel over to the Middle East.
Barcelona Team News
Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Barcelona will once again be without the duo of Andreas Christensen and academy graduate Gavi. Both coming off the bench and finding the net away at Espanyol over the weekend, both Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski should be handed full recalls.
Making a real impact after completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford will feature in Jeddah. Registering 14 direct goal contributions (seven goals, seven assists) in his 15 La Liga appearances this season, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in attack.
Athletic Bilbao
As for Athletic Bilbao, while the Lions might have stormed their way to an iconic Champions League ticket last season, Ernesto Valverde’s side have failed to find a similar level this time around. With it suggested that the former Barcelona boss has some increasing pressure on his shoulders in the Basque Country, Bilbao have registered just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Signing off 2025 with a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against Espanyol, Valverde’s downbeat squad face a monumental challenge when they travel to the Middle East on Wednesday night. It should also be highlighted, the Lions slumped to a 4-0 drumming when they last met Barca back on November 22nd.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Athletic Bilbao will once again be without the likes of Yuri Berchiche, Maroan Sannadi and former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte in Saudi Arabia. However, returning from a recent muscle issue, ex-Real Sociedad starlet Robert Navarro should get some more minutes under his belt.
While attacking talisman Nico Williams might have notched just a single La Liga strike since returning from November’s international break, the Spanish international will play a leading role in the final third. Linked with a recent big-money switch to Premier League giants Chelsea, Aitor Paredes will start at the back.
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao last met on November 22nd, the reigning Spanish champions stormed their way to a routine 4-0 victory.
- In fact, Barca have won all of their last four straight showdowns against Wednesday’s opponents by an aggregate score of 11-1.
- Barca have won all of their previous eight consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Athletic Bilbao have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has registered 14 direct goal contributions (seven goals, seven assists) in his 15 La Liga appearances this season.
Conclusion
With their sights set on completing another iconic domestic silverware sweep this season, Barcelona will be confident of laying down a marker in the Middle East. Storming their way to a routine 4-0 romp when they last met Athletic Bilbao back on November 22nd, the Lions will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge in Jeddah. Likewise, winning all of their previous four showdowns against Wednesday’s opponents by an aggregate score of 11-1, we are backing Flick’s defending champions to punch their final of this month’s Super Cup.
Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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