"Barcelona look to win their first piece of silverware of the season as the Catalans travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup, and their first challenge is a semi-final against historical rivals Athletic Club. The Blaugrana have won their last eight games in all competitions and are coming off a huge win in the derby against Espanyol, and will be facing a talented but inconsistent Athletic side as they try to book a spot in Sunday's final against Real or Atlético Madrid."
"Flick has a pretty healthy squad at the moment after the holiday break, so the coach can afford to make one or two changes while still picking a very strong team for this one. Gerard Martín struggled against Espanyol after another tough outing against Villarreal in the last game of 2025, so it might be a good idea to give him a rest and start Eric Garcia alongside Pau Cubarsí at center-back, with Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde retaining their spots at full-back."
Barcelona travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club, aiming to win their first silverware of the season. The Blaugrana carry an eight-game winning run and recent derby victory over Espanyol into the tie against a talented but inconsistent Athletic side. Hansi Flick has a healthy squad after the holiday break and can make one or two changes while keeping a strong XI. Joan Garcia is expected to start in goal ahead of Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-André ter Stegen. Eric Garcia could partner Pau Cubarsí in central defence, enabling a Frenkie de Jong–Pedri double pivot. Robert Lewandowski is projected to start with Raphinha on the left, while Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford may begin on the bench.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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