Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona play the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa away at Athletic Bilbao on Friday as the Spanish domestic season returns. It’s a game that Luis Enrique’s side will certainly be looking to win, despite the relative insignificance of the competition. Their transfer ban means Barça won’t be able to field any of their shiny new signings, but when your squad already includes the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar, that’s not too big of a concern.
Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Barcelona play Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa on Friday.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Athletic have recruitment restrictions of their own -- albeit self-imposed ones. The Basque side only recruit players with origins in the region, meaning the player pool from which they can choose is considerably smaller than most other teams. Remarkably that hasn’t really restricted their success, with Athletic sitting alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid as one of only three clubs to have never been relegated from La Liga. They finished in an impressive seventh place under Ernesto Valverde last season.
Upset potential
Despite the solid finish in La Liga last season, there’s little chance of Athletic getting one over on Barcelona over two legs. The gulf between second and third in Spanish football is massive. The gulf between first and seventh is even bigger. Of course, Barcelona aren’t invincible, and occasionally their opponents strike lucky with disciplined, counter-attacking football. However, it’s rare that Barça are defeated, and Athletic’s string of injury problems will only make things even more difficult for them.
What are the stakes?
The Spanish Super Cup is really nothing more than a glorified friendly competition serving to give these teams a little more practice ahead of the La Liga season. Of course, it’s also nice for the supporters to enjoy some silverware so early in the season, but in terms of prestige and reputation, this tournament is almost totally insignificant.
Athletic Bilbao injuries and suspensions
Out: Mikel Rico (muscle), Ander Iturraspe (thigh), Iker Muniain, Jonás Ramalho (knee). In doubt: Iñaki Williams (hamstring).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordi Alba (muscle), Neymar (illness). In doubt: Andrés Iniesta (achilles).
Bilbao will be without three of their first-team regulars in Mikel Rico, Ander Iturraspe and Iker Muniain, while coach Valverde is waiting on the fitness of attacker Iñaki Williams. The young Spain youth international looks a bright prospect for the future, and has seen regular football in the absence of Muniain.
Barcelona boss Enrique could well rotate his team after only defeating Sevilla after extra time in the UEFA Super Cup earlier in the week. Andrés Iniesta limped out with an Achilles injury, while Jordi Alba and Neymar were both unfit to start. They're going to miss out again here.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 4 p.m. ET, 10 p.m. local
Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain
TV: ESPNEWS (U.S. -- English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), TV3, TeleCinco España (Spain)
Online: ESPN3, Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
★★★
SB Nation presents: Neymar has a real claim as the world’s best player
See More:
