The second half doesn’t change the picture, and Barcelona make it five with Raphinha’s brace

The blaugrana party continues, and now Raphinha makes it 4–0

The third comes from Roony Bardghji, and it’s already a rout

Fermín then makes it 2–0, and Barcelona are now cruising

Barcelona goal: Ferran Torres capitalizes on Fermín’s effort and makes it 1–0

Athletic Club have been the better side in the opening minutes, but without any real chances.

The match gets underway in Jeddah

Supercopa de España 2025: Barcelona and Athletic Face Off in Jeddah

The 2025 Supercopa de España will kick off this Wednesday at the Al Jawhara Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the first semifinal between the defending champion, Barcelona, and Athletic Club, who aim to pull off a surprise after an inconsistent start to the season.

Among the four teams competing for the trophy —including Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, the other semifinalists— Hansi Flick’s Barcelona arrives in the best form: leaders of LaLiga EA Sports and on a run of eight consecutive wins across all competitions, with just one defeat in their last thirteen matches.

With 15 titles, Barcelona is the most decorated team in the Supercopa, ahead of Real Madrid (13) and Athletic (3), the same rivals they defeated in the previous edition. On that occasion, Flick’s team beat Athletic in the semifinals (0-2) and thrashed Real Madrid in the final (2-5), consolidating their dominance and setting a trend maintained over the last four seasons: the Supercopa winner often also secures the LaLiga title.

Barcelona Squad and News

Barcelona travels to Saudi Arabia with only Gavi and Andreas Christensen unavailable due to injury. The main news is the return of central defender Ronald Araújo, who had been sidelined due to mental health issues and began training a week ago. His participation will depend on how he feels, according to Flick.

With nearly all players available, how the German coach manages the squad will be key. In the victory against Espanyol (0-2), Flick turned the match around with the introduction of Robert Lewandowski, Fermín López, Dani Olmo, and Pedri, all of whom could start in the semifinal.

Flick will aim to replicate the 4-0 victory over Athletic on November 22 in LaLiga, where Barcelona overcame Athletic’s intense pressure, won the physical battle in midfield, and exploited spaces behind the opposition defense.

In goal, the solidity of Joan García will be crucial against Unai Simón, Athletic’s starter and Spain international, in a duel that could make the difference.

Athletic Club Situation

Athletic arrives in poor form, earning just one point from the last three matches and with slim chances of progressing in the Champions League. In the Copa del Rey, they advanced to the round of 16 after beating Ourense CF in extra time.

The team traveled to Jeddah without Aymeric Laporte or Yuri Berchiche, and stars Iñaki and Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet have yet to regain last season’s level. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Unai Simón are also not at their best form.

Still, Valverde is expected to field his key players: central defenders Dani Vivián and Aitor Paredes, midfielder Mikel Jauregizar, and attackers Robert Navarro and Alex Berenguer, with possible rotations.

For the full-backs, the doubts are:

Right: Andoni Gorosabel or Jesús Areso

Left: Adama Boiro or Iñigo Lekue

Long-term absences include Maroan Sannadi, Beñat Prados, Unai Egiluz, and the suspended Yeray Álvarez.