BARCELONA will face Atletico Madrid in a familiar competition – but in unfamiliar territory.
Ernesto Valverde’s men have won the Spanish Super Cup six times in the last ten years, but take on their fellow La Liga giants in Saudi Arabia in a new-look format.
Lionel Messi will be eyeing a ninth Spanish Super Cup title this season but in new-look surroundingsCredit: Getty – Contributor
In previous years, the tournament has been fought over by just two teams, either in a one-off final or two-legged affair.
Yet, in this four-team competition, Barcelona qualified after winning the La Liga title and Atletico Madrid ensured their place due to finishing second in the league.
What time does Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid kick off?
This Spanish Super Cup semi-final will take place on Thursday, January 9.
It will kick off at 7pm UK time – that is 10pm in Saudi Arabia.
The match will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The winner will go through to Sunday’s final.
What TV channel is Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid on and can I live stream it?
Unfortunately, Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid will not be shown live on UK television.
The Spanish Super Cup has already been hit with TV rights’ problems after Spain’s state-owned RTVE refused to bid to show the games.
Movistar will screen them live instead.
What is the team news?
Barcelona will have Frenkie de Jong available, despite his red card against local rivals Espanyol.
But Ousmane Dembele and Arthur are out until February, while Neto looks set to deputise in place of the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen once again.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are expected to be missing Diego Costa, Thomas Lemar and Koke.
Diego Simeone will have to wait to see if Stefan Savic and Sime Vrsaljko are available after they returned to training following injuries.
Stat attack
- Atletico Madrid have not beaten Barcelona since April 2016, with last win away from Madrid coming in 2006
- Barcelona have won 31 of the 61 ties between the two teams
- This is their first meeting in the Spanish Super Cup since 1996 – Barcelona won 6-5 on aggregate with Brazilian Ronaldo scoring twice in Barca home leg
What are the odds?
Barcelona are heavy favourites to win at evens, according to Ladbrokes.
Atletico Madrid are 27/10 to beat Lionel Messi and co, but are expected to score with BTOS odds at 7/10.
Surprisingly though, the Argentine is 4/1 to score more than once, while Alvaro Morata – who has just nine goals this season – is 17/10.
Odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
