Super Jeddah… Barcelona’s “Flick” Train Collides with Bilbao’s Ambition Tonight: Match Time, Broadcast Channels, and Lineups
The eyes of millions of football fans tonight are on the “Al-Inma” stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where a fiery Spanish Super Cup semi-final clash will take place between Barcelona, buoyed by consecutive victories, and Athletic Bilbao, seeking to pull off a major upset.
🔥 Battle for Supremacy: The Complete “Barça” vs. The Wounded “Basques”
Barcelona enters the match in their best form under German coach “Hans Flick,” sitting atop La Liga with 49 points and a streak of 8 consecutive wins. In contrast, Bilbao’s coach Valverde is trying to restore his team’s recent shaky balance, relying on the speed of the “Williams” brothers to break through the Catalan defense.
📅 Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao Match Time Today
The kick-off whistle blows tonight, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the following times:
📺 Broadcast Channels and Commentator
In a surprise for digital fans, the match has been announced for exclusive broadcast via:
📋 Barcelona’s Expected Lineup: Return of “Araújo”
Flick is expected to field an attacking lineup to secure a spot in the final:
-
Goalkeeper: Juan García.
-
Defense: Kondé, Cubarsí, Martín (or Araújo), Baldé.
-
Midfield: Eric García, De Jong, Pedri.
-
Attack: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha.
⚔️ Athletic Bilbao’s Expected Lineup
-
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón.
-
Defense: Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche.
-
Midfield: Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sancet.
-
Attack: Iñaki Williams, Guruzeta, Nico Williams.
📊 Facts and Figures Before the Clash
-
Overwhelming Dominance: Barcelona has won 4 of the last 5 direct encounters against Bilbao.
-
Defensive Solidity: The match sees the return of defender “Ronald Araújo” to the squad to bolster Barça’s back line.
-
Key Absences: Barcelona will be without the services of “Gavi” and “Christensen” due to injury.
-
Super Cup History: Barcelona has won the title in 2 of the last 3 editions of the tournament and is seeking a third in Jeddah.
Quick Facts
Al-Inma stadium
Al-Inma Stadium is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, primarily used for football matches. It was constructed in 1970 and has historically served as a home ground for several local clubs, including Al-Nassr FC for many years. The stadium is noted for its central location within the city and its role in the early development of Saudi professional football.
Jeddah
Jeddah is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, historically serving as the gateway for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its historic district, Al-Balad, features traditional coral houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern nation founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, unifying the regions of Najd and Hejaz. It is the birthplace of Islam, home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, and its modern economy and global influence are heavily defined by its vast petroleum reserves.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic port city in northeastern Spain, renowned for its unique Catalan culture and distinctive architecture, including numerous works by Antoni Gaudí such as the Sagrada Família. Its history dates back over 2,000 years to a Roman settlement, and it later became a major medieval power in the Crown of Aragon. Today, it is a global city celebrated for its art, architecture, and vibrant urban life.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain, founded in 1898. It is historically notable for its unique “cantera” policy, which mandates that the team only fields players native to or trained in the greater Basque Country. This philosophy has shaped the club’s identity and fostered a deep connection with its local community throughout its history.
La Liga
La Liga is the top professional football division in Spain, founded in 1929. It is one of the world’s most prestigious football leagues, historically dominated by clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Egypt
Egypt, home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is famed for its ancient monuments along the Nile River, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which date back over 4,500 years. Its long history encompasses the Pharaonic kingdoms, Greco-Roman rule, and later Islamic and Ottoman influences, making it a central cultural and historical crossroads. Today, it remains a major Arab nation whose rich heritage continues to draw global interest.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, formed in 1971 following the end of British protection. Historically a region of pearl diving, fishing, and trade, it has rapidly transformed into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and innovation, known for modern landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and its deep-rooted Arabian cultural heritage.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites include imperial cities such as Fez, home to the ancient University of Al Quaraouiyine, and Marrakesh, known for its bustling medina and Djemaa el-Fna square. The country’s diverse heritage is also reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, blending Arab, Amazigh, and European influences.
Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Its cultural landscape is famously marked by the archaeological site of Carthage, a major power in antiquity, and the well-preserved Roman amphitheater at El Jem. The country’s medinas, such as in Tunis, reflect centuries of Islamic art and architecture.
Eight (8)
“Eight (8)” is a contemporary art installation by Ai Weiwei, consisting of eight large, interlocking steel rings that form a sphere. It was created in 2008 as a commentary on the Beijing Olympics, symbolizing both unity and the constraints of the host nation’s political system. The work reflects the artist’s ongoing exploration of freedom, control, and global events.
