MADRID, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona opens its Spanish Super Cup campaign against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, with the La Liga leader favored to reach the final.
Barcelona arrives in stronger form than Athletic, which finished fourth last season but has struggled for consistency this year.
In Saturday's win over city rival Espanyol, goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced a standout performance against his former club, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski scored to seal three points.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick can rotate his attacking options, with Olmo and Lewandowski joined by Fermin Lopez and Pedri among the players available, underlining the team's depth. Athletic, by contrast, has been hampered by injuries throughout the season, with Maroan Sannadi, Benat Prados, Unai Egiluz and Aymeric Laporte among those sidelined.
One of the key matchups will be between the in-form Garcia and Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will be in Jeddah to watch the game, though Simon is likely to be tested more often than his Barcelona counterpart.
Barcelona beat Athletic 4-0 at home in November 2025 and is favored to advance to Sunday's final, where it would face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, who meet in Thursday's other semifinal. ■
