Athletic Club and Barcelona face off in Saudi Arabia for a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Athletic enter as Copa del Rey holders, while Barcelona qualify through last season’s second-place La Liga finish.
Los Leones enter this clash in remarkable form, riding a 15-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. Since October, they have secured 11 victories and four draws, showcasing consistency and resilience. During this impressive run, Athletic have only been held scoreless twice and have claimed high-profile wins against teams like Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.
STREAM:Athletic Club vs. Barcelona LIVE on Fubo (free-trial)
On the other hand, Barcelona are looking to improve their fortunes in this tournament. The Blaugrana were runners-up in last year’s Super Cup and have only won the revamped four-team format once since its introduction in 2020.
For Barcelona, this competition represents a vital opportunity to regain momentum. The Catalan giants faltered in La Liga before the festive break, suffering consecutive defeats and relinquishing their grip on the league’s top spot.
Despite their recent struggles, the Blaugrana can take confidence from their earlier victory over Athletic in La Liga this season. Moreover, they have dominated this fixture in recent history, losing just once in their last six meetings across all competitions.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Spanish Super Cup semi-final in the U.S.:
TV channel: ESPN2
Live stream: Fubo, ESPN+
This game is available for live TV broadcast on ESPN2 in the United States. Streaming options are available on Fubo and ESPN+.
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WATCH:Spanish Super Cup action LIVE on Fubo
What time does Athletic Club vs. Barcelona kick off?
This Spanish Super Cup semi-final takes place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and kicks off on Wednesday, January 8 at 10 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Jan. 8 | 2 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Jan. 8 | 1 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Jan. 8 | 12 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Jan. 8 | 11 a.m. |
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona lineups, team news
Athletic Club are without two midfield stars with Ander Herrera and Oihan Sancet remaining in Bilbao to recover from injuries.
Inaki Williams are leads the the Basque side’s attack amid fresh rumours of Barcelona launching a summer transfer push, while Nico Williams is rotated to the bench and replaced by Alex Berenguer.
Athletic Club starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Simon (GK) — Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche — Prados, Jauregizar — I. Williams, Gomez, Berenguer — Guruzeta.
Injured: Ruiz (muscle), Sancet (muscle), Sancet (ankle).
Suspended: None
Barcelona have opted to include Dani Olmo and Pau Victor in their travelling party to Jeddah despite the duo being ineligible to play. A ruling prior to kickoff in a Spanish court has given the club a temporary pass to register the players, and they could be available if Barcelona advance to the final.
Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal for Barcelona, with reports that Inaki Pena was late to a team meeting and thusly benched by Hansi Flick.
Andreas Christensen has been included, as he returns to full fitness, with Flick confirming Lamine Yamal is ready to start after an ankle issue.
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Szczesny (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Casado, Gavi, Pedri — Raphinha, Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal.
Injured: Bernal, Ter Stegen (both knee)
Suspended: None
Athletic Club vs. Barcelona prediction
Despite Barcelona’s recent struggles, their pedigree and firepower should give them the edge against Athletic Club, who narrowly avoided an upset in their last match. Expect an intense clash with attacking football, but the Catalans are likely to prevail.
Prediction: Athletic Club 1-2 Barcelona
Spanish Super Cup fixture schedule this week
Wednesday, January 8
- Athletic Club vs. Barcelona (2 p.m.)
Thursday, January 9
- Real Madrid vs. Mallorca (2 p.m.)