The semi-final match of the Spanish Super Cup between Athletic and Barcelona will take place on January 8 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Athletic vs. Barcelona: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Athletic vs. Barcelona
Athletic (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon – Oscar De Marcos, Adama Boyro, Aitor Paredes, Daniel Vivian – Mikel Jauregi, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, Unai Gomez – Alex Berenguer.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Inaki Pena – Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Inigo Martinez, Alex Balde – Marc Casado, Pedri – Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha Dias – Robert Lewandowski.
Athletic
The Basques are participating in the current Super Cup as the winners of the Copa del Rey. Last season, the club defeated Mallorca in the Spanish Cup final in a penalty shootout (1:1, extra time 0:0, penalties 4:2). Athletic has won this tournament three times (the last one in the 2020/21 season) and has also played in the final three times (the last time in 2022). Three years ago, the team defeated Atletico in the Super Cup semi-final (2:1) but lost to Real Madrid in the tournament's final with a score of 0:2.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in regular time in 6 of Athletic's last 8 games in this tournament.
- The club has not lost in 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 matches in the Spanish Super Cup (3 wins and 2 draws).
- In 6 of Athletic's last 8 games in this tournament, the second half was more productive than the first 45 minutes.
Barcelona
The Catalans hold the record for the most Spanish Super Cup titles won, with 14 victories. They have also played in the final 12 times. Their last victory in this tournament was in the 2022/23 season when they defeated Real Madrid 3:1. However, last year, Barcelona lost to Madrid in the Super Cup final (1:4). Notably, before that, the club easily overcame Osasuna in the semi-final stage (2:0).
- Both teams scored in regular time in 8 of Barcelona's last 9 games in the Super Cup.
- The Catalans have only lost once in 90 minutes in 6 of their last 7 matches in this tournament (2 wins and 4 draws).
- At least one goal was scored in the first 45 minutes in 6 of the club's last 7 games in the Spanish Super Cup.
Athletic vs. Barcelona: Match Prediction
This tournament provides another opportunity to witness a clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, this season, the Catalans might not reach the Super Cup final, as the Bilbao club is in excellent form and trails Barcelona by only two points in the La Liga standings. Moreover, the Basques have only three defeats in the championship, while the Catalans have already lost five matches.
Athletic has not suffered a single defeat in their last 14 matches in La Liga and the Europa League. Meanwhile, Hans Flick's side has only secured three victories in their previous 9 matches in La Liga and the Champions League, with two consecutive losses in the Spanish championship. It's also worth noting the head-to-head encounters between these opponents – in the last 18 official meetings, the Catalans have only defeated the Basques by a margin of two or more goals three times. Therefore, with a safety net, I propose the prediction – Athletic with a handicap (+1)
