FC Barcelona and Athletic Club arrive in Jeddah to compete in the Spanish Super Cup
The teams are already in Saudi Arabia to face the first semifinal of the tournament this Wednesday. This match kicks off the forty-second edition of the Spanish Super Cup, which the Arab country is hosting for the fourth year in a row. Both clubs traveled at the beginning of the week and have already completed their first training sessions at local facilities, adapting to the time zone and weather conditions. ⚽
The Blaugrana objective: reaffirm dominance
FC Barcelona arrives at the appointment as the defending champion, after winning last year's final against Real Madrid. Xavi Hernández leads the team, which must face this match without its starting goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, due to injury, and with some uncertainties in the defensive line. For the Catalan club, this tournament represents a key opportunity to boost its season and regain confidence.
Barcelona's keys:- Defends the Super Cup champion title.
- Significant absence of goalkeeper Ter Stegen.
- Aims to use the competition to improve its campaign trajectory.
While fans debate the format and venue, the players focus on a clear goal: win to play the final on Sunday.
The Rojiblanca ambition: lift the trophy again
For its part, Athletic Club faces the match with the motivation to match its 2021 achievement, when it won the championship. Under Ernesto Valverde's command, the team shows solidity in LaLiga and fully trusts its physical strength and team play. The possible lineup of the Williams brothers, Nico and Iñaki, adds extra danger in attack.
Athletic Club's keys:- Aspires to repeat the triumph achieved three years ago.
- Solid team with a very defined collective game.
- The Williams brothers as the main offensive weapon.
The setting: sporting heat in Jeddah
The city of Jeddah will be the stage for this clash. Although the ambient heat is expected to be less intense, the temperature on the pitch promises to rise with the rivalry between two teams seeking a ticket to Sunday's final. The Super Cup continues its course on Saudi soil, concentrating all attention on the sport. 🏆