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Daniel Panero
Martes, 7 de enero 2025, 18:21
Barcelona embarks on their Spanish Super Cup journey this Wednesday amidst a storm of news that has shaken the Blaugrana. On the field, Hansi Flick's team must remain focused despite the potential vote of no confidence against Joan Laporta and the 'Dani Olmo case', for which the club has already filed an appeal with the Higher Sports Council (CSD). To shift attention back to the pitch, Barça will aim to confirm the positive sensations shown against Barbastro in the Copa del Rey and overcome an Athletic team arriving in Jeddah as the reigning Copa del Rey champions.
The clash against the Lions finds Barcelona with many open fronts, none of which the culé fan expected to face at this point in the season. On one hand, there are the criticisms Joan Laporta is receiving for his management of the club, and on the other, the entire situation surrounding the 'Dani Olmo case', a scenario that has already impacted the locker room. "What happens with Dani and Pau affects us. If I told you otherwise, I'd be lying. If I were at another club, I might reconsider coming here," admitted Raphinha.
Both Olmo and Pau Víctor traveled to Jeddah to normalize the crisis while awaiting a favorable response from the CSD to the appeal Barça filed this Tuesday, the first working day since LaLiga and the FEF denied the registration of both players.
The two players are part of an expedition that arrived in Saudi Arabia with the intention of achieving a turning point in the season. Barça needs the Super Cup for many reasons that transcend beyond what happens on the field, but also because of what is happening on the pitch. The Blaugrana have gone from strength to weakness, and this competition could provide a morale boost for a team that ended the year with only 5 points from the last 21 contested in La Liga and a heavy blow against Atlético Madrid at the Lluis Companys. "The current situation could be an opportunity for the team to be more united," acknowledged Flick.
This setback still resonates in the mind of the German coach, who intends to make a statement without Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. They will be the two major absences in a team that will also miss Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal due to injury. Lamine Yamal is available, having recovered from his physical issues. The young academy player will be the big novelty in a lineup where Cubarsí will reclaim his place in defense alongside Iñigo Martínez, where Casadó will act as the anchor, and where the big question will be who plays in the attacking midfield. Pedri could take on that role, opening the casting for a midfield that includes Frenkie de Jong, Eric García, Pablo Torre, and Gavi.
Opposite them will be Athletic, with plenty of reasons to believe they can take the Spanish Super Cup back to Bilbao. The Basque team shed many of the fears that plagued them in major matches last year. The ghost of finals or doubts against Barça vanished with the 4-2 victory over the Blaugrana in the quarter-finals and the two wins in the semi-finals against Atlético. The Lions now roar, and Ernesto Valverde knows it, arriving in Jeddah with the ambition to win the title.
"It was extraordinary, and we celebrated as things are celebrated in Bilbao. Now we have another opportunity to reach a final. It's very challenging, but we must exploit our possibilities," stated Txingurri, with the delicate doubt over Nico Williams, who did not train with his teammates due to a bruise on his left ankle, and whose participation will be uncertain until the last moment. If he plays, he will be the main threat alongside his brother Iñaki and Sancet, a trio with which to attack Barça's always risky high defense.
Athletic: Unai Simón, De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri, De Galarreta, Jauregizar, Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Nico Williams or Berenguer, and Guruzeta.
Barcelona: Iñaki Peña, Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde, Casadó, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski.
Referee: Ortiz Arias (Madrid Committee).
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City (Jeddah).
Time and TV: 20:00 h. Movistar Plus +.
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