Barcelona Faces Athletic Club in Spanish Super Cup Semifinal

The 2025 Spanish Super Cup kicks off Wednesday with defending Copa del Rey champion Barcelona facing 2023-24 LaLiga runner-up Athletic Club in the first semifinal. The match, set to take place at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marks Barcelona’s first opportunity to claim silverware under new coach Hansi Flick.

Flick, who took over as Barcelona’s head coach earlier this season, emphasized the challenge posed by Athletic Club. “Playing against Athletic is always tough. They are a very good team, and I like how they play—a lot of one-on-ones, quick breaks. I hope it’s a really good game and that we can win,” Flick said during the pre-game press conference.

Barcelona, the most successful club in Spanish Super Cup history, is seeking its 14th title. Real Madrid, the defending LaLiga champion, will face 2023-24 Copa del Rey runner-up Mallorca in the other semifinal on Thursday. The final is scheduled for Sunday, with all matches broadcast on ESPN platforms in the United States.

Flick also addressed the fitness of key players, including teenage sensation [Player Name], who has trained with the team and could feature in the match. “He has trained three or four times with us, and he’s ready. He might play,” Flick said. The coach also commented on the ongoing situations involving Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, expressing confidence in the team’s unity and professionalism.

The Spanish Super Cup, expanded to a four-team format in recent years, has become a significant midseason tournament for Spanish football. This year’s edition in Saudi Arabia continues the trend of hosting the competition abroad, drawing attention from global fans and showcasing the sport’s growing international appeal.