Barcelona have a question to answer at the cathedral: are they ready for the Copa del Rey semi-final?
Barcelona have no time to rest on their laurels after defeating Real Betis at the Villamarin, with another difficult opponent beckoning. But there is reason to be optimistic ahead of this one, even if slightly. The display against Los Verdiblanos was the most encouraging we've seen from the defending champions in a while, with hattrick hero Ferran Torres and João Felix ensuring all 3 points, while a few others also put up memorable displays. The Copa del Rey, however, is a different ball game. This is a competition the Blaugrana has won more than anyone else, but consistency in recent seasons have been lacking, and success in the tournament is needed now more than ever. It'll take them overcoming a few herculean tasks along the way, starting with Athletic Club.
The second most successful club in the competition will have their own reasons to be optimistic ahead of this one, despite their 1-0 loss to Valencia a few days ago in La Liga. They're in their best form in years and well in contention for a top 4 spot. They are stacked with quality in all fronts and remain a force to be reckoned with on home soil as well. Everything is in place for them to make it as uncomfortable for the visitors as possible, something they've been able to do on a few occasions, the most notable one of recent being their 3-2 victory in extra time in R16 stage of the 2022 edition over Barcelona.
INTERESTING STATS
- The two clubs have won the Copa on 54 occasions between, Barça leading the way with 31 wins and the Basque club not far behind on 23 victories.
Athletic Club have not lost in their last 11 home games.
Barcelona’s only quarter-final exit in the past 17 years came at the hands of Athletic Club back in 2019/20.
Barcelona have won each of their last four matches against Athletic Club, and they have not even conceded once in those outings.
The home team have made it to their fifth consecutive quarter-finals in the Copa del Rey.
Athletic Club’s defeat in their last outing ended their 14-match unbeaten streak.
This is the sixth meeting in the quarter-finals between the two clubs in the cup competition.
TEAM NEWS
Athletic Club
No fresh injury concerns for Ernesto Valverde.
Mikel Vesga (hamstring) and Oscar de Marcos (quadriceps) are definite absentees - Dani Garcia is dealing with a similar issue to the latter and is a doubt - while Inigo Ruiz de Galaretta only did individual work on Monday after being passed fit for a substitute cameo against Valencia. Valverde has also revealed that Alex Berenguer and Inigo Lekue are dealing with unspecified knocks, although the pair are both due to travel to the team hotel. Iñaki Williams is still away at AFCON.
Unai Simon should be available in goal, with Yuri Berchiche, Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes form the defense with Lekue (or his replacement). Ander Herrera and Be at Prados are options for midfield, alongside Iker Muniain. Sancet, Nico Williams and Villalibre, who scored in the previous round against Alaves, will likely feature in attack.
Barcelona
No fresh injury concerns for Xavi as well. On the contrary, he welcomes a few names back into the squad. João Cancelo and Andreas Christensen have been declared fit and have left Gavi, TerStegen, Marcos Alonso, Raphinha and iñigo Martinez on the treatment table.
Not much change is expected from the line up that started against Real Betis. Iñaki Pena, Ronald Araujo, Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde should retain their spots in defense. Pau Cubarsí, the 17 year old La Masia prodigy, gave a delectable performance against Betis in place of the injured Christensen. It'll be interesting to see if he edges out the Dane once more for a starting berth. The midfield trio of Pedri, Gündoghan and Frenkie Dejong should feature again.
The attack will be also interesting to see. Robert lewandowski was subbed off 30 minutes before fulltime against Betis and it was evident why Xavi had to do that. Vitor Roque has shown signs of what he can contribute, which is more than the Pole at this point. Ferran Torres is currently the man in form, and should lead this attack alongside Lamine Yamal and probably João Felix, who gave an excellent cameo at the Villamarin. Fermin Lopez, Sergi Roberto, Oriol Romeu alongside regular call-ups Hector Fort and Marc Guiu will be available on the bench.
What time does Athletic Club vs Barcelona kick-off?
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Stadium: San Mames
Date: Wednesday 24 January
Kick-off Time: 21:30 🇳🇬
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
VAR: Eduardo Prieto Iglesias.
Contests between these two teams always produce fireworks, especially when it's in the Copa del Rey, where there will be no room for errors or do overs. Can Athletic Club return back to winning ways after seeing their 14 game unbeaten streak end in Mestalla, or will Barcelona continue their domestic form on the road and advance to the next round?