Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips - Super Cup

Prediction published on 15/01/2021, 10:24  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 15/01/2021 at 11:24 in Football Predictions

Barcelona have been making up some ground in La Liga of late and now have the chance to lift a trophy. They take on Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Super Cup on Sunday and are worthy favourites to be cup winners. They qualified for this competition by finishing second in La Liga last season. The Super Cup was held in Saudi Arabia last season but with the ongoing pandemic, it's being played in Spain with this final taking place in Sevilla.  Barcelona took on Real Sociedad in the semi-final and won via a penalty shoot-out. They took the lead in the first half but their opponents equalized from the penalty spot in the second half. The game went to penalties and Barcelona ran out winners 3-2. The win took their unbeaten run to nine league and cup games. That includes a 3-2 win at Athletic Bilbao on January 6th.

Bilbao qualified for this competition by reaching the final of the 2019/20 Copa del Rey final, though that game isn't being played until April 2021.  They had a surprise win over Real Madrid in their semi-final. Two goals in the first 38 minutes by Raul Garcia put Bilbao in the driving seat. Benzema got a goal back for Real with 17 minutes remaining but the equalizer just didn't materialise and the defending champions were out. Bilbao are 12th in La Liga and only five points above the relegation zone. Their only other recent wins have both been at home against sides currently in the relegation zone. The win over Real was their first in an away game since September. Repeating their semi-final success looks unlikely against an improving Barcelona side. Go for Barcelona to get the win.