The main focus for Barcelona is the potential registration of forward Dani Olmo, one of the gems acquired by the team at the start of the season who remains in limbo due to financial reasons, alongside young striker Pau Víctor.
On Tuesday, the Catalans and their heavily scrutinized president, Joan Laporta, are hopeful of securing approval from the Higher Sports Council (CSD), the final authority they turn to in order to resolve the situations concerning Olmo and Víctor.
Meanwhile, the leading club from the City of Condal has traveled to Saudi Arabia with both players included in their squad, as they prepare for Wednesday’s clash against Athletic Bilbao.
This intense rivalry will once again be tested in Saudi territory. In the Copa del Rey, Barcelona easily navigated their previous match against Barbastro, winning 4-0 with two goals from their Polish star Robert Lewandowski.
Read more:
When Does the January 2025 Transfer Window Close? Key Dates to Note
However, doubts loom over the squad led by German coach Hansi Flick. Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Andreas Christensen, and Héctor Fort traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, without receiving medical clearance after their respective injuries.
Both Olmo and Víctor remain uncertain, while Flick’s main focus is on Lewandowski, Brazilian Raphinha, and Pedri to lead the midfield, along with young talent Fermin López.
On the other side, Athletic Bilbao endured a difficult outing against UD Logroñés in the Copa del Rey, edging through with a 4-3 win on penalties. Nevertheless, the Basque squad is highly competitive, led by the dynamic Williams brothers (Nico and Iñaki) and Gorka Guruzeta in the offensive lineup.
-If Barcelona’s slight favoritism prevails, it will be up to Real Madrid to overcome the ever-tough Mallorca on Thursday, in the other semifinal of the Spanish Supercup.
Read more:
Player’s Wife Reports Harassment After Supercup in Saudi Arabia
The Merengues dispatched Deportiva Minera with ease, winning 5-0 in the Copa del Rey, including two goals from Turkish talent Arda Guller, and they hope that the ban on Brazilian Vinicius Junior for a red card against Valencia won’t affect him in Jeddah.
With a complete rest for Englishman Jude Bellingham and Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, along with some minutes for Vinicius and Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid squad is prepared to attempt to defend their Supercup title.
This could be an excellent opportunity, if both teams reach the final next Sunday, to witness yet another Clásico in Spanish football, Real Madrid vs Barcelona.
Read more:
Dani Rodríguez’s Wife’s Nightmare Evening in Jeddah
