Seven Barcelona players brace for their debut Spanish Super Cup experience | OneFootball

When Hansi Flick boarded the plane with a 24-man squad for the Spanish Super Cup, he also carried the hopes of several Barcelona players who are on the brink of their first silverware in Blaugrana colours.

The tournament kicks off with Barcelona facing Athletic Club in the semi-final, and for a number of squad members, this trip feels like a turning point. 

Among them are the three signings made last summer, namely, Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, and Rooney Bardghji. 

All three are still waiting to win their first title with Barcelona, but their roles in this competition differ.

First for many

Garcia has quickly become one of Flick’s most trusted players, and his recent performance in the derby against Espanyol only strengthened his position. 

Of all the new arrivals, he is the only one who goes into the Super Cup with a starting place virtually guaranteed. 

It will be a first experience of the Super Cup for many Barcelona players. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Rashford’s situation is slightly different, but no less important. The English forward has been one of Barcelona’s most productive players in the first half of the season, contributing directly to goals on a regular basis. 

With seven goals and 11 assists from 25 appearances, he has justified Flick’s trust and is expected to play a role in Saudi Arabia, even if not from the first whistle. 

Bardghji, meanwhile, continues to grow quietly. His 13 appearances this season have given him valuable experience, and Flick sees him as a useful option who can change games with his energy and movement.

Beyond the summer signings, there are also personal milestones on the line. 

Marc Bernal missed most of last season after suffering a serious injury early on, and this Super Cup will be his first real taste of the competition. 

The same sense of novelty applies to young players Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, Tommy Marques, and Jofre Torrents, all of whom are part of the first-team dynamic but rarely see match action.