Event/Match Date & Time: January 7, 2026 – Athletic Bilbao 0-5 FC Barcelona (King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Kickoff: 20:00 CET / 22:00 local time)
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups in this Spanish Supercopa semifinal produced a masterclass from Barcelona, who dismantled Athletic with ruthless efficiency. The 5-0 scoreline reflected Barcelona’s superior pressing, quick transitions, and finishing, while Athletic struggled with defensive errors (including an own goal) and missing key players like Nico Williams and Yeray Álvarez.
This match was part of the revamped Supercopa format, where Barcelona advanced to face either Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid in the final. For Athletic, it was a harsh lesson in the gap against top-tier sides despite their solid domestic form.
Why do these Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups matter? They showcased Hansi Flick’s rotation strategy (resting Yamal and Lewandowski), Barcelona’s youth emergence (Bardghji goal), and Athletic’s resilience despite injuries. The game highlighted Barcelona’s title credentials in 2025/26.
FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao lineups (reverse variation) emphasize Barcelona’s attacking overload and control.
Quick Match Overview
Barcelona cruised to a 5-0 victory, scoring four in the first half alone.
Final Result: Athletic Bilbao 0-5 FC Barcelona
Lineups Snapshot: Barcelona (4-3-3) blended youth and experience; Athletic (4-2-3-1) injury-hit.
Standout Players: Raphinha (brace), Bardghji (goal), Ferran Torres (goal), Fermín López (goal).
Essential Stats: Barcelona 68% possession, 18 shots (10 on target); Athletic 32%, 6 shots (1 on target).
Game Impact: Barcelona reached final; Athletic exposed defensively.
Decisive Factor: Barcelona’s early blitz (22’–38′) killed the contest.
Strategic Lineup Choices and Formations
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups were shaped by injuries and tactics.
Barcelona’s 4-3-3 prioritized midfield control (De Jong, Pedri, Fermín) and width (Raphinha, Bardghji). Athletic’s 4-2-3-1 aimed for solidity but lacked pace without Nico Williams.
| Aspect | Barcelona Strategy | Athletic Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | 4-3-3 (fluid attacking) | 4-2-3-1 (compact midfield) |
| Key Focus | Quick transitions, youth integration | Defensive block, counter threats |
| Rotations | Yamal/Lewandowski benched for rest | Forced by injuries (Nico Williams out) |
| Strengths Exploited | Midfield overload (Pedri/Fermín) | Physical duels (Sancet, Guruzeta) |
| Weaknesses Exposed | Minimal (clean sheet) | Defensive errors, no width |
Barcelona’s choice to rest stars paid off; Athletic’s absences limited counter threat.
Detailed Game Logistics
| Logistic Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition Type | Spanish Supercopa de España Semifinal |
| Hosting Location | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (neutral) |
| Stadium Capacity | ~62,000 (King Abdullah Sports City) |
| Weather Conditions | Warm evening; no disruptions |
| Broadcast Partners | Movistar+, ESPN+ (international) |
| Officials | Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano; VAR active |
Neutral venue added intrigue; large crowd witnessed Barcelona’s dominance.
Scoring Timeline and Key Plays
Barcelona’s first-half blitz defined the match.
- 22′: Ferran Torres opens scoring (assist from Pedri).
- 30′: Fermín López doubles lead (midfield surge).
- 34′: Roony Bardghji scores debut goal (Raphinha assist).
- 38′: Raphinha makes it 4-0 (clinical finish).
- 52′: Raphinha brace (second-half goal).
- No Athletic goals.
| Time | Scorer | Team | Assist/Play Type | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22′ | Ferran Torres | Barcelona | Pedri through ball | Early breakthrough |
| 30′ | Fermín López | Barcelona | Midfield combination | Momentum killer |
| 34′ | Roony Bardghji | Barcelona | Raphinha cross | Youth impact |
| 38′ | Raphinha | Barcelona | Solo run | 4-0 halftime lead |
| 52′ | Raphinha | Barcelona | Counter-attack | Sealed rout |
Athletic’s own goal (Kalulu in earlier reports, but not confirmed here) added to woes.
Injury Reports and Squad Updates
Injuries heavily influenced Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups.
Barcelona: Yamal and Lewandowski rested; Pedri/Fermín returned.
Athletic: Nico Williams, Yeray Álvarez, Berenguer out.
| Player | Team | Status/Update | Impact on Lineup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Benched (rest) | Bardghji opportunity |
| Robert Lewandowski | Barcelona | Benched (fitness) | Torres started |
| Nico Williams | Athletic | Injury (out) | Lost pace on wing |
| Yeray Álvarez | Athletic | Suspension/injury | Defensive weakness |
| Pedri | Barcelona | Returned, started | Midfield control |
Updates post-match: Barcelona praised youth; Athletic lamented absences.
The Bigger Picture: What, Where, When, Why, How
What happened? Barcelona’s 5-0 rout advanced them to final.
Where? Jeddah—neutral but high-stakes.
When pivotal? First-half 16-minute blitz (22’–38′).
Why dominant? Barcelona’s midfield superiority and Athletic injuries.
How did lineups decide? Barcelona’s rotation rested stars but maintained quality; Athletic’s gaps exposed.
This frames the match’s tournament significance.
Detailed Half-by-Half Dissection
First Half: Barcelona Blitz
Barcelona overwhelmed with quick goals; Athletic defended deep but collapsed.
- Bullet points of key events:
- 22′: Torres goal from Pedri assist.
- 30′: Fermín López scores on surge.
- 34′: Bardghji debut goal.
- 38′: Raphinha makes it 4-0.
Athletic had no shots on target; halftime 4-0.
Second Half: Professional Finish
Raphinha brace in 52′; City managed tempo.
- Bullet points of key events:
- 52′: Raphinha second goal.
- No further Athletic threat.
Barcelona rotated late; clean sheet preserved.
Star Players and Their Impact
Raphinha (Barcelona): Brace; pace and finishing. Rating: 9/10.
Roony Bardghji (Barcelona): Goal on debut; youth star. Rating: 8/10.
Ferran Torres (Barcelona): Opener; versatile. Rating: 8/10.
Fermín López (Barcelona): Goal and energy. Rating: 7.5/10.
Unai Simón (Athletic): Busy but no blame. Rating: 6/10.
Stars drove Barcelona’s performance.
| Star Player | Team | Rating | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raphinha | Barcelona | 9 | Brace, constant danger |
| Roony Bardghji | Barcelona | 8 | Debut goal |
| Ferran Torres | Barcelona | 8 | Opener |
| Unai Simón | Athletic | 6 | Kept score respectable |
Match Stats Table:
| Metric | Athletic Bilbao | FC Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 32 | 68 |
| Total Shots | 6 | 18 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 10 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 76 | 89 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 8 |
Barcelona superior in every category.
Expected Goals (xG): Athletic ~0.4; Barcelona ~3.8 (overperformed slightly).
Pivotal Decisions and Game-Changing Moments
Flick’s rest of Yamal/Lewandowski paid off with fresh legs.
Early goals (22’–38′) killed contest.
Game-changers:
- Torres opener: Set tone.
- Bardghji goal: Youth impact.
- Raphinha brace: Sealed dominance.
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups rotation favored Barcelona.
Historical Rivalry Evolution
Barcelona dominates recent meetings.
| Past Encounters | Date | Result | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supercopa Semi 2026 | Jan 7, 2026 | Barcelona 5-0 | Dominant rout |
| La Liga 2025 | Nov 2025 | Barcelona win | Tight contest |
| Earlier Supercopa | 2024 | Athletic win on pens | Basque resilience |
Evolution shows Barcelona’s current edge.
Player Profiles: Rising Stars and Veterans
Rising Stars:
- Roony Bardghji (Barcelona): Goal on debut; future winger.
- Fermín López (Barcelona): Goal; midfield energy.
Veterans:
- Raphinha (Barcelona): Brace; experienced attacker.
- Unai Simón (Athletic): Solid despite score.
Profiles highlight lineup blend.
| Player Type | Name | Team | Profile Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising | Roony Bardghji | Barcelona | 20-year-old winger; goal debut |
| Veteran | Raphinha | Barcelona | 29; pace and finishing |
| Rising | Fermín López | Barcelona | 22; midfield dynamo |
| Veteran | Unai Simón | Athletic | 28; reliable goalkeeper |
Barcelona’s 4-3-3 overloaded midfield; Athletic’s 4-2-3-1 lacked width.
Mid-game: Barcelona maintained shape; Athletic switched to 4-4-2 late but ineffective.
Tactical bullets:
- Barcelona: High press forced errors.
- Athletic: Low block but no counter threat.
- Adjustments: Barcelona subs preserved lead.
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans on X: “Bardghji magic!” for Barcelona; Athletic supporters lamented injuries.
Media: ESPN praised Barcelona’s “ruthless”; Spanish outlets noted Athletic’s struggles.
| Reaction Source | Key Quote | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| X Fans | “Bardghji debut goal! 🔥 #Barca” | Positive for Barcelona |
| ESPN | “Barcelona cruise to final” | Complimentary |
| Mundo Deportivo | “5-0 demolition” | Dominant narrative |
Reactions amplified Barcelona’s statement.
Implications for 2025/26 Season
Barcelona: Momentum for La Liga title defense.
Athletic: Need squad depth for Basque derby and Europe.
| Implication Area | For Barcelona | For Athletic |
|---|---|---|
| Title Race | Strong Supercopa form | Defensive rebuild needed |
| Squad Depth | Youth succeeding | Injury crisis highlighted |
| Confidence | High for league/cups | Rebound required |
Season outlook favors Barcelona.
Conclusion
Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups in the January 2026 Supercopa semifinal showcased Barcelona’s depth and ruthlessness in a 5-0 rout. Raphinha’s brace, Bardghji’s debut goal, and midfield control dominated, while Athletic’s injuries proved costly.
This match reinforces Barcelona’s elite status under Flick and highlights Athletic’s challenges. As La Liga and cups progress, these lineups will be benchmarked for tactical lessons.
The rivalry remains fierce—future clashes promise more drama. Football’s beauty lies in such performances!
FAQs
What were the Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona lineups in the Supercopa semifinal?
Barcelona (4-3-3): Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde; De Jong, Pedri, Fermín López; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Bardghji. Athletic (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Jauregizar, Rego; Berenguer, Sancet, Navarro; Williams.
Who won the match?
FC Barcelona 5-0.
Key scorers?
Raphinha (2), Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Roony Bardghji.
Why were Yamal and Lewandowski benched?
Fitness management and rotation strategy.
What formation did Barcelona use?
4-3-3 with attacking fluidity.
Venue and attendance?
King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah; high attendance for Supercopa.
Any notable injuries?
Athletic missing Nico Williams, Yeray Álvarez; Barcelona rested stars.
Why search FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao lineups?
Tactical insights from dominant win.
What’s next for both teams?
Barcelona: Supercopa final; Athletic: La Liga recovery.
For more interesting information, visit our fclineups.com blog website.
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