- Real Betis and FC Barcelona face off in second semifinal of Spanish Super Cup.
- Copa del Rey champions from last year play La Liga runners-up in this match.
- Real Madrid and Valencia play in other semifinal on Wednesday.
On Thursday night, Real Betis and FC Barcelona face off in the second semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup.
The Copa del Rey champions from last year play the La Liga runners-up in this match, with Real Madrid and Valencia playing in the other semifinal on Wednesday. It will take place on Sunday.
Alex Moreno, the left back for Betis, has not accompanied the team since he needs to fly to Birmingham on Wednesday to finalise a transfer to Aston Villa.
President of Betis Angel Haro has also refused to rule out considering proposals from Atletico Madrid for striker Borja Iglesias, a member of Spain’s national team and a league leader with eight goals this year.
The good news for Betis is that striker Juanmi is now healthy and will be able to cover in attack while Juan Miranda will play left defender against his former team.
Robert Lewandowski, a striker, and Jordi Alba, a left back, are both back for Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez after missing last Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid due to suspension.
Ronald Araujo’s return has helped Barca in their previous two games, but given that the Uruguayan is recovering from a serious muscular injury, Xavi must be tempted to rest him in order to prevent a relapse.
Jules Kounde would then start on the right, with either Sergi Roberto or Hector Bellerin partnering Andreas Christensen in the centre of defence.
Lewandowski’s attacking partner will also need to be thought upon by Xavi, with Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha expected to start. Ferran Torres is also a possibility, but he will miss Barca’s subsequent league match.
