Set for January 8, 2025, the highly anticipated clash prediction Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona is part of the Supercopa de España semi-finals. The game has 62,344 spectator capacity and starts at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The game will be officiated by Referee Ortiz M. from Spain, therefore guaranteeing a fair and competitive meeting between these two Spanish powerhouses.
Both teams depend much on this game as they want to guarantee a place in the Supercopa final. While Barcelona, runners-up in La Liga, will strive to use their rich history in the league, where they have previously captured 14 championships, Athletic Bilbao, last season’s Copa del Rey winners, will seek to maintain their outstanding form. On neutral ground, fans should be ready for a fierce fight.
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Team News: Athletic Bilbao
With an undefeated 15 competitive match record, Athletic Bilbao comes into this game in extraordinary form. Under Ernesto Valverde, their latest results in the Copa del Rey and La Liga have shown their tenacity and tactical flexibility. Their recent Copa del Rey encounter against fourth-tier Logroñés, however, needed penalties, which begged doubts about their effectiveness against lower-ranked clubs.
For Bilbao, injury issues include Yeray Álvarez, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, and Oihan Sancet who remain dubious for the game. Key players anticipated to lead their offense are Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams.
Athletic Bilbao Results
In recent games, Athletic Bilbao has shown consistency combining strong defensive and offensive play. Their last five games are summarised below:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
04/01/2025 | Copa del Rey | Logroñés vs Athletic Bilbao | 0-0 (4-5 pens) | W |
21/12/2024 | La Liga | Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao | 1-2 | W |
15/12/2024 | La Liga | Alavés vs Athletic Bilbao | 1-1 | D |
11/12/2024 | Europa League | Fenerbahçe vs Athletic Bilbao | 0-2 | W |
08/12/2024 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal | 2-0 | W |
Team News: Barcelona
Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, is looking to recover from a dip in form during the final weeks of 2024. They secured an emphatic 4-0 win against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey, a confidence booster after consecutive league defeats. However, their struggles in La Liga have raised concerns about consistency.
The squad faces registration issues with Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, casting doubt on their availability. Additionally, fitness concerns linger over Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal, though the latter has rejoined training. Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice in the Copa del Rey win, remains a pivotal figure for Barcelona.
Barcelona Results
Barcelona has faced a mixed bag of results recently, with flashes of brilliance overshadowed by defensive lapses. Here are their last five matches:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
04/01/2025 | Copa del Rey | Barbastro vs Barcelona | 0-4 | W |
21/12/2024 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid | 1-2 | L |
15/12/2024 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Leganés | 0-1 | L |
11/12/2024 | Champions League | Dortmund vs Barcelona | 3-2 | L |
07/12/2024 | La Liga | Betis vs Barcelona | 2-2 | D |
Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Results
The head-to-head record between these teams exposes a fierce competitiveness. While the Catalans have edged league games, Athletic Bilbao has been dominant in cup events versus Barcelona. These are the outcomes of their most recent five meetings:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
24/08/2024 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao | 2-1 |
03/03/2024 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 0-0 |
24/01/2024 | Copa del Rey | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 4-2 |
22/10/2023 | La Liga | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao | 1-0 |
12/03/2023 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona | 0-1 |
Athletic Bilbao Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-4-2
- Goalkeeper: Simon
- Defenders: De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche
- Midfielders: Jauregizar, Prados, I. Williams, Berenguer
- Forwards: N. Williams, Guruzeta
Barcelona Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-4-2
- Goalkeeper: Pena
- Defenders: Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde
- Midfielders: Casado, Pedri, Raphinha, Gavi
- Forwards: Fermin, Lewandowski
Injured and Questionable Players
High-stakes events like this one depend much on injuries and dubious participants. The following is a list of unavailable players along with their individual ailments for every team:
Team | Player | Injury Type |
Athletic Bilbao | Yeray Álvarez | Muscle Injury |
Athletic Bilbao | Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta | Knee Issue |
Athletic Bilbao | Oihan Sancet | Hamstring Problem |
Barcelona | Ferran Torres | Fitness Doubt |
Barcelona | Lamine Yamal | Ankle Injury |
Barcelona | Dani Olmo | Registration Issue |
Barcelona | Pau Victor | Registration Issue |
These absences may significantly affect the tactical plans of both Ernesto Valverde and Hansi Flick, making the availability of substitutes and squad depth even more critical.
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams bring unique strengths and weaknesses to this matchup. Here are the key elements to consider:
- Injuries: Both sides face injury concerns, with Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet as notable doubts;
- Form: Athletic’s 15-match unbeaten streak contrasts with Barcelona’s recent inconsistency;
- Tactical Approaches: Valverde’s disciplined style versus Flick’s possession-heavy tactics will be crucial;
- Historical Rivalry: Bilbao has excelled in cup games against Barcelona recently;
- Star Players: Iñaki Williams’ cup record against Barcelona (6 goals in 10 games) vs. Lewandowski’s decisive role for the Blaugrana;
- Stadium Factor: Neutral venue may favor neither team but will test their adaptability;
- Defensive Records: Barcelona’s lapses in defense could be a deciding factor;
- Supercopa Experience: Barcelona’s 14 titles vs. Athletic’s three demonstrate contrasting histories in this competition.
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Free Tips on Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona
Understanding the dynamics of an important match like Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona in the Supercopa de España requires analyzing multiple factors. From historical trends to current form, a thorough approach can help predict potential outcomes and give an edge in betting. Below, we provide key tips based on statistics, team performances, and recent developments to help you make informed decisions.
- Historical Head-to-Head Advantage: Athletic Bilbao has historically performed well against Barcelona in cup competitions, winning four of their last five meetings in such formats. This trend suggests Bilbao thrives under pressure and could challenge the Blaugrana in this semi-final.
- Impact of Neutral Venue: Playing at a neutral venue like King Abdullah Sports City levels the playing field. Barcelona, accustomed to Camp Nou’s large pitch, might find the conditions less favorable, giving Bilbao an opportunity to capitalize on their tactical discipline.
- Team Fatigue and Recent Schedules: Athletic Bilbao needed penalties to defeat Logroñés in their last match, which could lead to some fatigue among key players. Meanwhile, Barcelona rotated their squad in a comfortable 4-0 victory over Barbastro, keeping their starters fresh for this encounter.
- Player Matchup Dynamics: With six goals in ten appearances versus Barcelona in cup games, Iñaki Williams’ performance emphasizes his capacity to take advantage of their defensive flaws. For Barcelona, however, Robert Lewandowski’s form is still crucial as it allows them to exploit defensive weaknesses of Bilbao.
- Impact of Managerial Styles: The disciplined, defensive approach Ernesto Valverde used with Bilbao might irritate Barcelona’s possession-based system. Mid-game tactical changes might be crucial in deciding how this collision turns out.
Keeping these ideas in mind will help you to recognize chances for wise betting selections and grasp the possible dynamics of the match.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona Match Prediction 2025
This semi-final promises an exciting interaction between two teams with different shape and background. While Barcelona’s individual skill and Supercopa tradition cannot be disregarded, Athletic Bilbao’s undefeated run and great cup performances give them a little advantage in confidence. Given both teams want to guarantee their place in the championship, a competitive game is anticipated.
Our Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
Match Result | Barcelona to Win | 1.83 |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.63 |
Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.68 |
Make your bet on the match – Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona at bc.game! Our expert predictions are free, reliable, and tailored to give you the edge in your betting journey.