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Athletic Club vs. Barcelona: How to Watch the Spanish Super Cup Final

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:17 GMT by Newsweek

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Athletic Club vs. Barcelona: Your Guide to Watching the Spanish Super Cup Final

The highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final between Athletic Club and Barcelona is set to take place on Sunday, January 21st, and fans are eager to know how to catch all the action. This game isn't just a battle for bragging rights; it’s a chance for Barcelona to claim their first title of the season and for Athletic Club to potentially upset the reigning champions. This article summarizes how to watch the match, provides context on the tournament, and previews what fans can expect.

The Match Details & Where to Watch

As detailed in the Newsweek article, the Athletic Club vs. Barcelona final will kick off at 8:00 PM CET (Central European Time) – which translates to 2:00 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time) and 11:00 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time) for North American viewers.

For those in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+. This requires a subscription to the ESPN+ streaming service. Notably, the game will not be available on traditional ESPN channels.

Spanish-language broadcasts will be available on ESPN Deportes.

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be streamed live on ITV1, ITVX, and STV. This means a free-to-air option is available for UK fans.

Fans in Canada can watch the match via TSN Direct.

The article links to ESPN+, directing readers to sign up for a subscription ($10.99/month or $80.99/year as of this writing), and to ITVX for UK viewers, highlighting that the platform offers both live and on-demand viewing. Other international broadcast information is less readily available and may require checking local listings.

Understanding the Spanish Super Cup Format

The Spanish Super Cup has undergone a significant format change in recent years. Traditionally a two-legged tie between the La Liga champion and the Copa del Rey winner, it now features a four-team, single-elimination tournament played in Saudi Arabia. This year’s tournament, as covered by Newsweek, sees Barcelona and Athletic Club facing off after both teams secured victories in their respective semi-final matches.

Barcelona defeated Osasuna 3-2 in a closely contested semi-final, while Athletic Club impressively defeated Real Madrid 2-0, signaling their strong form heading into the final. The decision to host the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia has been controversial, drawing criticism related to human rights concerns, but continues to be a financially lucrative arrangement for the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

What to Expect from the Final

The Newsweek article and recent match results suggest a potentially thrilling final. Athletic Club, playing with impressive intensity, has already proven they can overcome a powerhouse like Real Madrid. Their attacking prowess, led by the in-form brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams, poses a significant threat to Barcelona’s defense. Iñaki Williams, in particular, has been a standout player, breaking a long-standing La Liga record for consecutive appearances.

Barcelona, despite not being in top form consistently this season, possesses immense quality in their squad, including Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Gavi (though Gavi is currently injured). Xavi Hernandez’s team will be aiming to control possession and exploit any weaknesses in Athletic Club's defense. However, they’ll need to be wary of Athletic Club’s high-pressing game and quick transitions.

Barcelona is the clear favorite, but Athletic Club's recent performance and home-field advantage (despite the match being played in Saudi Arabia, the support base is strongly leaning towards Athletic Club) suggest they will be a formidable opponent. The game is expected to be a dynamic battle between two contrasting styles – Athletic Club’s direct and energetic approach versus Barcelona’s possession-based football.

Beyond the Match: The Bigger Picture

Winning the Spanish Super Cup offers more than just a trophy for both teams. For Barcelona, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and confidence for the rest of the season. For Athletic Club, a victory would represent a significant achievement and a statement of intent, proving their ability to compete with the best teams in Spain.

The tournament also continues to fuel debate about the ethics of hosting sporting events in countries with questionable human rights records. The RFEF justifies the Saudi Arabian location due to the substantial financial benefits, but critics argue that these benefits come at a cost.

In conclusion, the Spanish Super Cup final promises to be an exciting and competitive match. With multiple broadcasting options available across various regions, fans worldwide have the opportunity to witness the clash between Athletic Club and Barcelona. The game is more than just a final; it's a showcase of Spanish footballing talent, a test of tactical strategies, and a continuation of the ongoing conversation surrounding the future of the tournament itself.