Barcelona vs Athletic Club Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Spanish Super Cup 2025-26 semi-final

The Blaugrana have already defeated Bilbao once this season.

FC Barcelona are now going to lock horns with Athletic Club in the semifinals of the 2025-26 Super Copa de España. This high-stakes game will take place at the Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City.

The Hansi Flick-led side are on a top run of form and will be keen to continue their winning run. They recently outplayed Espanyol in their LaLiga fixture.

It was a top display by Barcelona, who will now be looking to close in on their first trophy of the season. The Blaugrana are the defending champions of the Spanish Super Cup.

Athletic Club Bilbao have already been outplayed by Barca once this season and are going to be under pressure coming in for their next one.

They are on a poor run of form at the moment and are likely to struggle yet again. The Lions must put in a top performance if they want to secure a win in their next game.

✅ Final training session completed.🔜 #BarçaAthletic 🏆#AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/u1QcyQC2Yp

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 5, 2026

Kick-off:

• Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Stadium: Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City
• Date: Thursday, January 8
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, Jan 7; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 02:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Barcelona: W-W-W-W-W

Athletic Club: D-L-W-L-D

Players to Watch

Raphinha (Barcelona)

Even though he failed to score a goal in the previous game for his side, Raphinha is still going to be one of the main men in the attacking front for Barcelona. He is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence in the upcoming fixture with the ball at his feet.

Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Club)

Gorka Guruzeta scored a crucial equaliser for Athletic Bilbao in their previous LaLiga game against Osasuna. He will be looking to come up with a top performance, which might even be helpful for his side. Guruzeta needs to put in all his efforts if the Lions want to stand a chance against Barca.

Match Facts

• Barcelona are on an eight-match winning streak.
• Athletic Club Bilbao have only secured one win in their last five attempts.
• The Blaugrana haven’t lost to the Lions in their last five meetings.

Barca vs Athletic Club: Betting Tips and Odds

• FC Barcelona to win
• Raphinha to score
• Goals over 3.5

Injury and Team News

Gavi and Andreas Christensen are not going to be in action for Barcelona. They are injured. Ronaldo Araujo’s availability is not yet confirmed.

Athletic Club will miss out on the services of Aymeric Laporte, Unai Eguiluz, Yuri Berchiche, Benat Prados and Maroan Sannadi due to their injuries. Yeray Alvarez is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 245

Barcelona won: 125

Bilbao won: 80

Draws: 40

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Joan García (GK); Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Eric García, De Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Torres

Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Simón (GK); Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Inaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams; Guruzeta

Match Prediction

This is going to be an interesting outing. FC Barcelona are likely to come out on top and secure a win against Athletic Club Bilbao in their upcoming Spanish Super Cup clash.

Prediction: Barca 3-1 Athletic Club

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

USA: ESPN

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