"Barcelona begin the defence of their Spanish Super Cup crown against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said that retaining the Spanish Super Cup this week would be a boost for his team's other ambitions this season. The record 15-time champions face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in a semifinal clash at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia."
"Barca won the competition last season as the first part of a domestic treble, the first triumph of Flick's reign, followed by triumphs in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. This tournament is a little bit different [to the equivalent competition] in Germany, but I like it, said former Bayern Munich coach Flick. For us to win the Super Cup [last season] gave us a lot of energy for the rest of the season, and this is also what we want this year."
"Even though significant questions remain about their defending, Barcelona are the favourites to win the Super Cup and lead La Liga after nine consecutive top flight victories. Despite being outplayed by neighbours Espanyol in a tense derby clash on Saturday, late goals and a sensational performance from stopper Joan Garcia helped the Catalans claim a 2-0 victory. Flick insisted his team had to perform better at the back if they were to succeed in the sixth edition of the tournament in Saudi Arabia."
Barcelona begin defence of their Spanish Super Cup crown against Athletic Bilbao in Saudi Arabia, aiming to retain the title and boost season ambitions. The 15-time champions meet Athletic Bilbao in a Jeddah semifinal at King Abdullah Sports City. Barca won the competition last season as the first part of a domestic treble under Flick, later securing La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Despite defensive concerns, Barcelona are favourites and lead La Liga after nine straight top-flight wins. They were outplayed by Espanyol but won 2-0 through late goals and goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Central defender Ronald Araujo could return after a month-long mental health leave.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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