Spanish Supercup finally arrives, and this Wednesday's (8) duel between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will have an appeal of its own. While the Basques have been causing an uproar in LaLiga, the Catalans are trying to leave financial and administrative turmoil aside for their main goal: lifting the trophy.
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Athletic Bilbao: Collective force that has challenged giants
Athletic Bilbao goes into the semifinal with a load of confidence following their good run this season in LaLiga, lying fourth with 36 points. Ernesto Valverde's team has been a model of consistency so far, given that in 19 matches, they've suffered only three losses, testimony to their resilience.
But that latter one, against the fourth-division team Logroñés in the Copa del Rey, was quite a challenge for Bilbao; it ended goalless after regulation time and then on penalties, cool-headed Lions advanced with a 4-3 victory. Even so, he showed confidence that his team could produce much more, saying as much prior to the game.
“We are excited about this competition; we’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. Our intention is to make the most of our chances to win. It’s a tough game; we’re up against a great rival. From the outset, we’re not favorites, but we have to play, and in that sense, we’ll give it our all”, Valverde stated.
Valverde's words are those of a Bilbao fully aware of their frailties but confident of causing a painful shock to Barca. Because in knockout ties, the Lions have made it a point to be a nuisance to the big ones.
Barcelona: Between pitch and boardroom
It's not quite so simple from a Catalan perspective: Third in LaLiga with 38 points, Barcelona is fighting for stability in the middle of a storm of off-field issues. Recent losses of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor-both of whom couldn't be registered due to financial fair play regulations-have shaken the club. The problems are bigger than on-field ones for head coach Hansi Flick.
We have nothing else to do but wait. This is not going to be that easy on them either, and they are wanted in the team. This might bring us closer together, at least it can. Now, we must prove that we are a team. I believe in the club," said Flick in a tough moment.
Against these backdrops, Barcelona comes into the semifinal high on morale after thrashing Barbastro 4-0 in the Copa del Rey. It was a result that relieved the fans and put an end to the bitter run of two straight losses against Leganés and Atlético Madrid. But Barcelona understands that Athletic Bilbao will present them with the real test of their ambitions this season.
Flick also underlined the desire for victory: "Everybody is looking forward to the Supercup. In the end, when you win trophies, that's great for everybody-club, team, players. We work very hard in training, we remain professional. The victory would be merited".
With his words, it is immediately stated how important the title for such a team eager for trophies but at the same time for a positive recognition, being in reconstruction process.
Contrasting styles collide
It was going to be a Wednesday match between two completely different philosophies: the combination of teamwork, tactical discipline, and grit of the Lions, Athletic Bilbao, on one side, and the individualistic brilliance that controls the pace of the game on behalf of Barcelona.
On paper, the Catalans may have the upper hand in this tie, but Valverde made it very clear that nothing is taken as a given, especially in tournaments like the Supercup. Bilbao has time and again proved themselves capable of causing upsets that no one usually expects.
Besides, the pressure factor on Barcelona could be another determining factor. The pressure to deliver results along with financial struggles and inconsistency in LaLiga puts added weight on their players and coaching staff.