Possible Clásico debutants
The Spanish Super Cup semi-final will be the second meeting of the season between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the Liga fixture, Eric Garcia, Gavi, Sergio Agüero and Memphis Depay all got to make their Clásico debuts, while Wednesday’s meetings opens chances for a number of other players to get their maiden experience of the famous rivalry:
Nico
The 20-year-old midfielder made his debut on 15 August 2021 against Real Sociedad, and immediately went on to become a first team regular, playing 1,250 minutes, scoring two goals and giving two assists. Although he didn’t get on for the game with Real Madrid, he is very likely to be named in the team this time.
Alejandro Balde
The La Masia graduate made his debut at left back on 20 September 2021 against Granada al Camp Nou. But he has also been used in a more advanced position this season, and after playing 117 minutes this season, he has a chance of making appearance in Wednesday’s game.
Ez Abde
Signed from Elche in the summer, Abde has been one of the success stories of the season so far. He made his debut under Sergi Barjuan against Alavés on 30 October 2021, and has been a popular choice since Xavi took charge, playing 510 minutes and scoring one goal.
Riqui Puig
Local lad Riqui Puig made his first team debut in December 2018 in a Copa del Rey yet he is still to be involved in a Clásico against Real Madrid. The midfielder has started two of the last three games under new coach Xavi Hernández and has played a total of 355 minutes for the blaugranes so far this season.
Ferran Jutglà
The striker joined Barça B from Espanyol and marked his debut in the Maradona Cup with a goal against Boca Juniors. He made his league debut against Osasuna on 12 December 2021 and went on to score the winner in the cup against Linares. After 387 minutes of action, he is a strong candidate for a place against Real Madrid.
Álvaro Sanz
Part of the FC Barcelona youth setup since 2015, he made his debut as a sub against Mallorca on 2 January 2022. The midfielder is perfectly moulded into the FC Barcelona system, and after 43 minutes of first team play he is certainly an option for the Super Cup.
Iñaki Peña
The third choice goalkeeper, officially part of Barça B, has yet to make his first team debut. Xavi has been including him in first team squads as cover for Ter Stegen and Neto, and although he is unlikely to feature on Wednesday, he has shown that he is perfectly ready to take over if neither of the regular stoppers are available.
Ferran Torres
The latest signing is still waiting to be declared fit but he has made his way on Tuesday to Riyadh along with Pedri. The new Barça addition has been training with the squad but is yet to make his debut - what better fixture than against Real Madrid.