The Spanish Super Cup is a competition that FC Barcelona have eagerly awaited this season due to many reasons. For one, it allows the Catalan clubs to truly test themselves against Spain’s ‘finest’, and also provides certain financial benefits. However, above everything else, it is the first shot at silverware for the Catalans this season.
Be that as it may, the road towards the Spanish Super Cup title will not be an easy one. Xavi’s side already knows their opponent, and have even struggled against them previously this very season as well. CA Osasuna, a fellow rebel of La Liga, will be the ones to take on FC Barcelona in the competition’s second semi-final.
According to AS, however, Xavi heads into this game with the mentality of a favorite. Typically preferring to disassociate with that label, it now seems that Xavi understands that his team must play as if they indeed are the stronger side.
However, this too is easier said than done. While ideally, Xavi would want his Barcelona side to dominate proceedings from start to finish, recent evidence just simply does not agree with that. Across the many games that have led up to this competition in January, Barcelona have struggled to win by more than one goal.
A clear stain on their ability to score, Barcelona currently seem toothless. La Blaugrana continues to struggle in terms of the scoreline and their performances as well. Add to this the motivations of Osasuna, and Barça could be in big trouble.
It also does not help their cause that Xavi comes into this game with a much more depleted squad than he would have hoped for. While Pedri could potentially play a few minutes in the semi-final, Joao Cancelo remains completely ruled out until a hypothetical final in case Barça wins.
Barcelona have definitely suffered this season, and with Real Madrid already waiting in the final, the Catalans do not have the leverage to showcase any more mediocrity. Instead, Xavi’s men will now need to truly step up. The season depends on how they adjust to this new challenge, and whether they can carry some positive momentum forward.