Mixed fortunes in Super Cup semi-finals

FC Barcelona are in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to take part in the Spanish Super Cup, beginning with their semi-final against Copa del Rey champions from last season Athletic Club de Bilbao on Wednesday at 8pm CET. 

Semi-finals in the new format 

Since the competition became a four team affair back in 2020, the blaugranes have come up against a variety of opponents in the semi-final. In the first year of the new format, a Barça side coached by Ernesto Valverde, current Athletic Club coach, lost 3-2 to Atlético Madrid in what was to be the Basque coach's last game in charge of the team. 

The following season saw the blaugranes win a penalty shoot out against Real Sociedad to reach the final, but in 2022 they were defeated in an exciting Clásico semi final with Real Madrid winning 3-2. 

In 2023 another penalty shoot out saw Barça through against Betis and into the final where they would go on to take the trophy under coach Xavi Hernández. Last season Barça overcame Osasuna 2-0 in the semi-final, and this season Athletic Club stand between the blaugranes and a place in the final. 

An opponent in form 

Ernesto Valverde's team come into their Super Cup semi-final against Barça in excellent form. Athletic Club are on a 15 game unbeaten run with their last defeat coming back in October of last year when they were beaten by Girona in the Montilivi stadium.