FC Barcelona are all set to take on Athletic Club later tonight in the semi-finals of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup.
The Blaugrana, who won the title last season by beating Real Madrid handsomely, will be eager to retain the trophy. For that to happen, they must first deal with Athletic Club tonight to secure a place in Sunday’s final.
Barcelona go into the game on the back of a strong run of results, racking up eight wins in a row in all competitions, most recently beating local rivals Espanyol 2-0 this past weekend.
While the performance in the derby, especially on the defensive side, raised some concerns, momentum is on the Catalans’ side, and they must capitalise.
Moreover, the La Liga champions have already tasted success against Athletic Club once this season, thrashing them 4-0 in the first match back at the new Spotify Camp Nou. It will give more confidence to the team going into tonight’s match.
Having arrived in Saudi Arabia with a near clean bill of health, Barcelona have been dealt a fresh injury blow as Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ruled out of action. Gavi also remains unavailable while Ronald Araujo is not ready to return yet.
With that set, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Athletic Club in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Ernesto Valverde’s men.
Defence
Joan Garcia proved his worth with a sensational performance against Espanyol and will start in the Barcelona goal in the Super Cup, as confirmed by Hansi Flick already.
Meanwhile, the defensive line is unlikely to undergo any changes, as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will occupy the full-back positions on the right and left sides, respectively.
At the heart of the defence, we will see Pau Cubarsi pair up with makeshift centre-back Gerard Martin once again, who has done well in the role.
Gerard Martin and Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Gerard Martin expected to start at CB again. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
However, the entire defensive line must step up to ensure that the Athletic attacking unit, led by the Williams brothers, has a quiet outing.
Midfield
On Saturday, Hansi Flick opted not to risk Pedri from the start against Espanyol despite the player having fully recovered from his minor discomfort.
But, against Athletic Club tonight, the Barcelona head coach is expected to install the Spanish international into the starting XI, with his influence likely to be the key for the Catalans.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia, who has excelled as a pivot midfielder in recent weeks, should hold on to his spot in the team, meaning it will be Frenkie de Jong who gets sacrificed from the lineup.
Another change will see Fermin Lopez get the nod as the No. 10 for Barcelona. Dani Olmo, who has scored in each of his last two appearances, makes a strong case, but the youngster’s overall form as well as his off-the-ball contributions should earn him a start.
Attack
Raphinha, who was deployed in the No. 10 position against Espanyol, should return to his usual position on the left flank for Barcelona tonight. It would mean that Marcus Rashford will have to settle for a place on the bench against Athletic Club.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit and available, despite not training with the squad on Tuesday, and start in his preferred position on the right wing.
The No. 9 position will be a toss-up between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, with the latter likely to edge out the veteran striker for a starting berth.