Barcelona’s Spanish forward Dani Olmo and teammates sign autographs for fans at an open training session
MANAURE QUINTERO
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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is aiming to secure his first silverware during the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia this week, but the Dani Olmo registration issue continues to be a major concern.
Real Madrid, the holders and reigning Spanish and European champions, are the favorites to win the trophy, having previously defeated Barcelona 4-1 in last season’s final.
Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao will face Barcelona in the first semi-final on Wednesday, seeking to win the cup for the first time since their victory over Barcelona in the 2021 showpiece as Copa del Rey winners this season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid will play against last season’s Copa runners-up Real Mallorca in the second semi-final on Thursday, with the final scheduled for Sunday at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
Barcelona included Olmo and young forward Pau Victor, who are currently unable to play, in their squad for the trip to the Gulf state.
Until they receive a ruling from Spain’s top sports court (CSD), Olmo and Victor are prohibited from participating in any competition for the remainder of the season.
Barcelona announced over the weekend that they would appeal to the CSD after their attempts to renew the duo’s licenses were rejected by the courts, as both La Liga and the Spanish football federation have refused to accept Barcelona’s registration efforts.
Both Olmo, the marquee summer signing, and Victor were granted short-term licenses at the beginning of the season when Barcelona encountered financial challenges and navigated La Liga’s strict budget controls. This was done when defender Andreas Christensen was injured, creating a loophole.
Defender Ronald Araujo has returned to the squad after recovering from injury in a 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, a match that Olmo and Victor missed.
Araujo expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s left a bad taste because they are our teammates… we hope the club can resolve the issue.” The focus now shifts to Wednesday’s clash against Athletic.
Despite leading La Liga for an extended period, a series of poor results in November and December dropped Barcelona to third place in the standings.
A minor trophy win would provide a much-needed morale boost for the struggling team.
Flick mentioned that crucial teenage winger Lamine Yamal should be fit to play after recovering from an ankle injury.
Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior (R) is likely to play despite his red card against Valencia
JOSE JORDAN
Barcelona have won one of the four Spanish Super Cups held in Saudi Arabia, defeating Real Madrid in the 2023 final for their record-extending 14th triumph.
Madrid, winners of the inaugural tournament in 2020, are one victory behind Barcelona in the competition.
Despite a slow start to the season, Ancelotti’s team has climbed to the top of the league and also secured the UEFA Super Cup in August.
With star signing Kylian Mbappe finding his form and the impressive performances of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Madrid is seen as the favorite, with a strong attacking trident leading their charge.
Vinicius, the Brazilian winger, received a red card in the recent La Liga match against Valencia but is expected to play in Saudi Arabia, potentially serving a league ban while also facing the possibility of missing the tournament if a harsher punishment is issued.
Ancelotti mentioned that Vinicius has shown remorse for his actions and praised his improvement, calling him “the best player in the world.” Vinicius, who finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting and later received FIFA’s The Best award, scored a hat-trick in last season’s final and played a crucial role in Madrid’s league and Champions League successes after a slow start to the campaign.