Competition/Round: 2023-24 Copa del Rey, Quarter-Finals
Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso (out)
Athletic Outs & Doubts: Iñaki Williams (out), Dani García, Óscar de Marcos (doubt)
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8.30pm GMT (UK), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 2am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Estadio San Mamés, Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez
VAR: Eduardo Prieto Iglesias
How to watch on TV: Startimes World Football (Nigeria), TVE (Spain
Barcelona faces another intense showdown in their relentless January schedule as they gear up for a crucial Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Athletic Bilbao. The match, set to unfold at the iconic Cathedral of San Mamés on Wednesday night, adds another chapter to the historic rivalry between these two football powerhouses.
Barcelona's recent thrilling triumph away to Real Betis has kept their La Liga title hopes alive, injecting a dose of momentum as they shift their focus to the Copa del Rey. The competition holds a special place in the hearts of both teams, serving as a significant battleground where their historical legacies intertwine.
The intense encounters between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Cup have become a recurring theme, with each team viewing the tournament as a pathway to glory. Winning the Cup is a shared aspiration, but the path to success often forces these old rivals to confront each other, adding an extra layer of drama to their clashes.
The significance of the Copa del Rey tie is heightened by the fact that it's a quarter-final, where the stakes are higher, and the margin for error is slim. Both teams are well aware that a victory in this stage could propel them closer to the ultimate triumph, making the match a pivotal moment in their pursuit of silverware.
Barcelona, buoyed by their recent success against Real Betis, will look to carry that positive energy into the clash with Athletic Bilbao. The team's busy January schedule has demanded resilience and adaptability, and they now face a familiar foe in a venue with its own storied history—the Cathedral of San Mamés.
Athletic Bilbao, led by coach Ernesto Valverde, will be no easy challenge. Their own rich tradition in the Copa del Rey adds spice to the encounter, as they aim to thwart Barcelona's ambitions and create their own path to glory. The clash promises not only the tactical battles on the field but also a showcase of passion, pride, and determination—elements that define the essence of football rivalries.
As the teams prepare for this monster quarter-final tie, fans can expect a spectacle that transcends the regular season matchups. The history, tradition, and mutual respect between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey set the stage for a captivating showdown, where every goal, save, and moment of brilliance can tip the balance in favor of one side.
In the midst of a jam-packed January, both teams understand the importance of managing their squad's fitness and form. The outcome of this clash will not only determine their progression in the Copa del Rey but could also have ripple effects on their overall confidence and momentum as they navigate through a challenging season.
In conclusion, Barcelona's journey in the Copa del Rey takes them to the Cathedral of San Mamés for a quarter-final showdown against Athletic Bilbao. The historical significance of this fixture, coupled with the shared desire for Cup glory, promises a riveting contest that encapsulates the essence of their enduring rivalry in Spanish football.