Athletic vs Barcelona Prediction
Spanish Super Cup Semifinal
January 7, 2026 (Local Time)
Our Prediction for Athletic vs Barcelona
Athletic Club enjoyed a strong period following their Copa del Rey triumph in 2024. Last season, the Basques finished fourth in La Liga and reached the Europa League semifinals, confirming their status among Spain’s elite. However, the current campaign has been far less convincing. Across most competitions, performances have declined, with the domestic cup being the only relative exception so far, largely due to facing lower-level opponents.
In the Champions League, Athletic’s fate is already sealed, as they will not reach the playoff stage. Domestic competitions also show signs of regression, with inconsistent results and a lack of attacking sharpness. In early January, Valverde’s side were held to a 1–1 draw by Osasuna, further highlighting their struggles to impose themselves.
Barcelona, by contrast, continue to thrive under Hansi Flick. In his first season in Spain, the German coach guided the Catalan giants to a clean sweep of domestic trophies. Although there were a few setbacks after the mid-season break, Barcelona closed out 2025 strongly, securing a Champions League playoff place and reclaiming the top spot in La Liga.
Following the holiday break, Barcelona returned in convincing fashion, recording a solid 2–0 victory in the city derby against Espanyol. Their attacking fluency and depth continue to set them apart from most domestic rivals.
From a statistical standpoint, the contrast is striking. Athletic average just 0.89 goals scored per match while conceding 1.32. Barcelona, on the other hand, score an impressive 2.79 goals per game and allow only 1.05 on average.
Athletic vs Barcelona: Key Statistics and Trends
Athletic have won only one of their last five matches.
37% of Athletic’s games end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 2.21 goals per match.
Barcelona are currently on an eight-match winning streak.
63% of Barcelona’s matches feature goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.84 goals per game.
Athletic vs Barcelona: Probable Starting Lineups
Athletic (probable lineup):
Unai Simón – Boiro, Paredes, Lekue, Gorosabel – Jaureguizar, Ruiz de Galarreta, N. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer – I. Williams
Barcelona (probable lineup):
Garcia – Balde, Martin, Cubarsí, Koundé – Eric Garcia, De Jong, Raphinha, Fermín López, Yamal – Ferran Torres
Previous Matches: Athletic vs Barcelona
In the last eight meetings between these sides in “El Clasico” encounters, Athletic have managed just one draw. However, they do have a recent cup success to remember, having eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey two years ago.
Free Prediction for Athletic vs Barcelona
Given the current form, attacking output, and overall squad quality, Barcelona enter this semifinal as clear favorites. Athletic’s defensive discipline may help them stay competitive early on, but over 90 minutes, Barcelona’s offensive firepower is likely to prove decisive.
Our pick is a Barcelona victory.
