Barcelona promises to be an intriguing encounter, as both teams prepare for their first leg on January 7, 2025. Historically, this rivalry has been characterized by intense competition, with Barcelona holding a favorable record of 33 wins out of 51 matches against Bilbao . However, the unpredictability of knockout football means that past performances might not fully dictate future outcomes. The significance of this match extends beyond mere statistics; it represents a critical opportunity for both clubs to secure early momentum in the tournament.
Hansi Flick Era, and while the Super Cup is not at the top of the list of titles the Blaugrana want to win every season, this one is extra important to gain some much-needed momentum for the rest of the campaign after the dreadful end to their 2024 schedule.
The Catalans haven’t won a big domestic game in quite a while, and beating a talented, well-coached, in-form Athletic side and moving on to the Final would be a huge step towards the turnaround they need before beginning a crucial stretch of games in La Liga and in Europe.
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Barça beat Athletic in comfortable fashion in their first meeting of the season, but Ernesto Valverde’s side are much better now: they haven’t lost since the start of October and have won quite a few big games since then, with a strong defense and a dangerous attack built on speed and intensity.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Simon; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Jauregizar, Prados; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Gavi, Fermin; Lewandowski
Despite recent struggles, the Catalan team can still pose a significant challenge to the Basque club, which narrowly avoided an upset in their last match, winning on penalties. This upcoming clash promises to be exciting, with both teams likely to play an attacking style. The Catalan side is favored to win.
Viewers can anticipate an exciting match with various platforms offering live broadcasts online. ESPN+ and DAZN are among the services providing coverage based on geographical location . As both teams look to assert dominance early in the tournament, fans should expect a tactical battle filled with skillful play and strategic maneuvers that reflect the rich footballing heritage both clubs embody.
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