Since 2020, the Spanish Super Cup has been played annually in Saudi Arabia. The Spanish federation moved the games outside the country for profit purposes, of course, and this will not change at least until 2029 (there is talk of up to EUR 300 million for the Spaniards). Moreover, the format of the Spanish Super Cup, i.e. semi-finals and then the final, is also different in order to earn more.
Barcelona faces a real challenge
For FC Barcelona, the Saudi competition will be a very important test of form, which, as we well know, at the end of 2024 was definitely not what the fans and the players themselves would like. The Catalans have already improved their mood a bit by winning the King's Cup. However, beating fourth-league Barbastro 4-0 is not really an indicator of strength. The Super Cup semi-final match against Athletic Bilbao was a different story. In the league on August 24 in Barcelona, the Catalans were better, winning 2-1 (Lewandowski's winning goal in the 75th minute).
Szczęsny given another chance? Spanish media without good news
What line-up will Hansi Flick's team have for the match? The largest Spanish and Catalan dailies are almost in complete agreement about the choices of the German coach. Unfortunately for Wojciech Szczęsny. The Pole made his debut in Barcelona against the aforementioned UD Barbastro. He performed solidly, but he also had virtually nothing to do. Some fans and experts wondered whether our compatriot would get another chance against Athletic. However, the daily newspapers “Mundo Deportivo”, “Marca”, “AS” and “Sport” agree that Inaki Pena will play again in Jeddah.
– Pena will return to the starting lineup, replacing Szczęsny. Although there is a small possibility that Flick will allow him to maintain continuity, as Pena still has an undisputed position in La Liga and the Champions League – writes “Sport”. – It would be strange if Szczęsny suddenly appeared in the starting lineup again – adds “AS”. Robert Lewandowski, in turn, is in the first team of each daily newspaper.
Lewandowski unchanged. Yamal's return?
The only discrepancies come between Gavi and Lamine Yamal. The former, unlike the other three, does not see “Marc” in the lineup, replaced by Pablo Torre. As for Yamal, who has already recovered from an ankle injury, “Mundo Deportivo”, “Marca” and “AS” have no doubt that he will play from the first minute. This time only “Sport” broke out. Local journalists see Fermin Lopez in the squad instead of the 17-year-old. The FC Barcelona – Athletic Bilbao match will start on Wednesday, January 8 at 8:00 p.m. at the Jeddah Stadium.
- FC Barcelona's lineup for the match against Athletic Bilbao according to the “AS” daily: Pena – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Casado, Pedri, Gavi – Yamal, LewandowskiRaphinha
- FC Barcelona's lineup for the match against Athletic Bilbao according to the “Marca” daily: Pena – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Casado, Pedri, Pablo Torre – Yamal, LewandowskiRaphinha
- FC Barcelona's lineup for the match against Athletic Bilbao according to the “Sport” daily: Pena – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Casado, Pedri, Gavi – Raphinha, LewandowskiFermin
- FC Barcelona's lineup for the match against Athletic Bilbao according to the “Mundo Deportivo” daily: Pena – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Casado, Pedri, Gavi – Yamal, Lewandowskiand, Raphinha