Barcelona return to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this Saturday, January 10, 2026, to face Athletic Bilbao in a clash between two of Spanish super cup most storied institutions.
The Blaugrana enter this fixture following a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the Catalan Derby against Espanyol. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have maintained their position at the top of the La Liga table, showcasing a high-pressing and clinical style of play.
With Lamine Yamal continuing to dazzle and Robert Lewandowski leading the scoring charts, Barça are looking to extend their winning streak. However, they will be cautious of Bilbao’s physical style, especially as they look to rotate the squad ahead of upcoming cup fixtures.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao, managed by Ernesto Valverde, travel to Barcelona after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Espanyol in late December, followed by a solid start to their 2026 campaign.
The “Lions” from Bilbao are currently battling for a Champions League spot and remain one of the most difficult teams to beat in the league.
Known for their defensive solidity and the explosive pace of Nico Williams on the wing, Athletic will look to frustrate the Barcelona midfield and strike on the counter-attack.
Despite their mixed away record, Valverde’s side always raises their game for the “Big Two,” and they arrive in Barcelona with a full-strength squad determined to pull off an upset.
Match Details and Kick-off Times
| Country / Time Zone | Kick-off Time |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 7:30 PM |
| Italy / Spain / France (CET) | 8:30 PM |
| United States (Eastern Time – EST) | 2:30 PM |
| India (IST) | 1:00 AM (Thursday, Jan 8) |
The fixture is hosted at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc), the temporary home of Barcelona during the Camp Nou renovations.
TV Channels for Barcelona v. Athletic Bilbao
United Kingdom: The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 and is also available via Viaplay Sports.
Spain: Local fans can tune in via DAZN LaLiga or Movistar LaLiga.
United States: Available exclusively on ESPN+ (English/Spanish) and ESPN Deportes.
India: The game will be streamed live on FanCode.
Live Streaming and Digital Options
- UK: Premier Sports Player offers live streaming for subscribers.
- US: ESPN+ is the official home of La Liga in the States, featuring full match coverage and multi-language commentary.
- Spain: Movistar+ and DAZN apps provide mobile and smart TV streaming options.
- Global: Official club channels like Barça One will provide live radio commentary and post-match reactions.
Why Barcelona v. Athletic Bilbao Matters
This fixture is often referred to as the “Other Classic” of Spanish football. For Barcelona, it’s a chance to consolidate their lead at the top before the pressure of the Champions League knockout stages begins.
For Athletic Bilbao, a result against the leaders would be a massive statement in their pursuit of a Top 4 finish and European football next season.
