Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that his team is entering the Spanish Super Cup fully aware of the challenge ahead, noting that facing Barcelona requires special mental and tactical preparation. In the pre-match press conference, Valverde explained that the knockout format of this tournament differs radically from the longer league competition, opening the door to all possibilities.
Realism and ambition in the face of the Catalan giant
Valverde realistically acknowledged that his team might not be the favorites on paper compared to Barcelona's history and potential, but he stressed that this wouldn't deter Athletic Bilbao from striving for victory. Valverde said, "We know we're not the favorites, but that won't stop us from trying and fighting to overcome Barcelona. The media talk and the predictions don't occupy our thoughts; our focus is entirely on the 90 minutes of tomorrow's match.".
The experienced coach added that both teams boast world-class goalkeepers, a crucial factor in such tight matches, and emphasized that Bilbao will capitalize on their strengths to boost confidence. He specifically highlighted the physical condition of the dangerous attacking duo, brothers Nico and Iñaki Williams, who form the backbone of the team's attacking plans and are capable of making a difference thanks to their speed and skill.
Iñaki Williams: We're looking forward to a perfect start in the Kingdom
For his part, the team's star player, Iñaki Williams, expressed his great enthusiasm for participating in this tournament in Saudi Arabia, looking forward to starting 2026 on a positive note befitting the club's ambitions. Williams emphasized that the team came with one goal: to return with the trophy and bring joy to the Basque fans.
Iñaki said: "Surprises are always possible in football, and we are here to prove our worth. Some may not know Bilbao's strength compared to the world's top clubs, but we aim to present an image that reflects our true value and rich history, even though we are not the favorite among the four participating teams.".
Historical context and importance of the Spanish Super Cup
This match holds particular significance given the tournament's recent history. Since 2020, the Spanish Super Cup has adopted a "Final Four" format, featuring four teams, which has intensified the competition and heightened its excitement. Saudi Arabia is hosting the tournament as part of a long-term strategic partnership with the Spanish Football Federation, making it a focal point for football fans worldwide.
Historically, Athletic Bilbao is known as a "giant killer" in cup competitions, having won the Spanish Super Cup in previous editions thanks to its fighting spirit and unique philosophy of relying solely on players from the Basque Country. A victory in this match would not only secure their place in the final but also provide a huge morale boost for the team's performance in the remainder of the domestic and European season, making this a battle of attrition between Barcelona's desire for dominance and Bilbao's ambition for glory.
