Barcelona will begin their defense of the Spanish Super Cup 2026 this Wednesday, facing Athletic Bilbao in a high-stakes semifinal at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants are looking to add another trophy to their trophy cabinet and build momentum for the rest of the season.

Hansi Flick: Retaining the Super Cup Will Boost Barcelona’s Energy

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who won La Liga and the Copa del Rey in his first season in charge, emphasized that winning the Super Cup last season gave the team a significant psychological boost.

“This tournament is a little bit different [to the equivalent competition] in Germany, but I like it,” Flick said. “Winning the Super Cup last season gave us a lot of energy for the rest of the season, and this is also what we want this year.”

Flick has highlighted that defensive improvements will be key if Barcelona are to succeed in the sixth edition of the Saudi-hosted competition. Despite their dominance in La Liga, the team was briefly challenged in the Catalan derby against Espanyol, where late goals and a strong performance from goalkeeper Joan Garcia secured a 2-0 win.

Barcelona’s Current Form and Key Players

Barcelona are currently enjoying a nine-game winning streak in La Liga, making them favorites for the Super Cup title. Flick remains cautious, however, noting that defensive errors could prove costly against a disciplined Athletic Bilbao side.

Key updates for Barcelona include:

• Ronald Araujo, central defender, could return after a mental health break following a red card in the Champions League loss to Chelsea.
• Joao Cancelo, currently on loan from Al-Hilal, may strengthen Barcelona’s options at full-back, though a permanent deal has not yet been completed.

Flick stressed the importance of teamwork and coordination: “We have to play much better in the defence; we have to play connected as one team… this is what I missed on Saturday, so we have to make things much better.”

Athletic Bilbao’s Super Cup Record

Athletic Bilbao, currently eighth in La Liga, last won the Super Cup in 2021, defeating Barcelona in the final. The Basque club has lifted the trophy three times in total, while Barcelona remains the record-holder with 15 titles, followed by Real Madrid with 13.

The semifinal presents a clash between Barcelona’s attacking prowess and Athletic Bilbao’s defensive discipline. Analysts predict a competitive match, with both sides capable of influencing the outcome through key players and tactical strategies.

What’s at Stake in Saudi Arabia

Winning the Super Cup not only adds a trophy to Barcelona’s cabinet but also provides a psychological edge as the team continues its campaign in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. A strong performance in the tournament can set the tone for the rest of the season, boosting confidence and morale within the squad.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal, ensuring that the Super Cup continues to feature high-profile clashes between Spain’s top clubs.

Barcelona fans will be hoping that Flick’s experience, strategic planning, and the performances of stars like Joan Garcia, Amad Diallo, and possibly Joao Cancelo, will secure another victory in the Saudi-hosted tournament.