The week has been long and challenging in Jeddah. A victory in the final against Madrid would be a balm for Barcelona.
In Saudi Arabia and at Barça, there is noise. A lot of noise. The Catalan club has, in recent years, been synonymous with an atmosphere of constant buzz around it, this time driven by the precautionary measure granted by the CSD to finally register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. After two weeks of uncertainty hanging over their heads, both will be available to don their kit once again in the classic clash in Arabia.
This is good news that, however, has led to a storm of statements from La Liga clubs, institutions, and even political parties against the club. The uproar that always accompanies Barça particularly frustrates Hansi Flick, who appeared uncomfortable during the pre-match build-up for what could be the first title of the season for the Catalans. To make matters worse, Araujo’s situation remained unresolved, as he requested a meeting alongside the team captains in the morning, with the club stating it was a logistical meeting while the Uruguayan’s future hangs in the air. Coincidence?
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The week has indeed been long and tough in Jeddah. Laporta, at an RFEF event without an absent Florentino Pérez, described the situation with a blunt, “we shouldn’t have come to this,” referring to the registration issues. For that reason, the German coach wants to focus on the sporting side of things, and rightfully so. Today, a final is at stake, even if it sometimes doesn’t feel like it.
“Winning the Supercopa can give us more confidence for the rest of the season.” Flick knows that the Supercopa de España may be a minor title, but it remains a classic against Madrid in a final that, if won, can serve as a catalyst for the trajectory of the season.
To achieve this, the German is clear that his players need to give a bit more than they did against Athletic. Although the Catalan team showcased periods of brilliant Football, lapses in focus allowed the Lions to cling to the match—something they cannot afford against a Real Madrid that is “one of the best teams in transition” in the world. However, Madrid’s striking power will not alter Barça’s approach, as their style, regardless of the opponent, is non-negotiable for Flick.
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-While there are no doubts about the game, uncertainty does remain regarding the German’s decision about the goalkeeper position. Iñaki Peña, disciplined in the semifinals for being late to the activation session, could once again lose his place to Szczesny, who has not conceded a goal in two matches while wearing the Barça jersey. Flick remained tight-lipped, although the secrecy surrounding the goalkeeper situation isn’t total, as it seems Gavi has a greater chance than Olmo to join Casadó and Pedri in midfield.
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On the other side, Flick’s team will surely have Vinícius, who although not mentioned by anyone in Madrid, will be able to play in the Supercopa thanks to the leniency of the Competition Committee, which looked the other way when it could have suspended the Brazilian for 4 to 12 matches for aggression, leaving him in Spain while the title was contested in Arabia.
The white ‘7’, never satisfied with his performances, once again stirred up controversy with a nightmarish display alongside Pablo Maffeo throughout the semi-final, which heated up the atmosphere between the teams to the point of sparking a brawl initiated by Bellingham that continued even in the locker rooms. Vini will be a major threat for Ancelotti’s side along with Mbappé to Flick’s advanced defense.
Also available will be the English player, who has been in top form for the whites, after finishing the match against Mallorca with some discomfort. These issues will not prevent Jude from being on the pitch at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, which in just a few hours will crown the first champion of 2025. Let the games begin.
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