FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.08.2009 11:09

Three game advantage

Sandra Sarmiento

Bilbao will have already played eight games before Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup first leg clash with Barça.

Bilbao’s preseason began early on 7 July due to a European tie with Swiss outfit Young Boys. Joaquín Caparrós’s men are coming into the Spanish Super Cup with two more weeks of work under their belts than Barça and after having played a lot of games.

Packed schedule

The Basques have already played six friendlies and two Europa League games. They’ve won three, lost three and drawn the other two, scoring ten goals and conceding seven. Markel Susaeta has a shoulder injury and is doubtful for the game at San Mamés.

Back in Europe

After four years away Bilbao were back in European competition on 30 July in the Europa League, the replacement for the old UEFA Cup, against Swiss league leaders Young Boys. The Basques lost at home 1-0 in a match which saw the debut of Iker Muniain who at 16 years, 7 months and 11 days became the second youngest player to turn out for the first team. Seven days later Muniain starred as Bilbao came from behind to get through to a play-off with Norwegian outfit Tromso.

De Marcos is top scorer

One of the new faces in the Basque team this season is Óscar de Marcos, a young striker who last season turned out for Alavés after learning his trade in the Vitoria academy. Born in Laguardia (Álava) 20 years ago, De Marcos is the top scorer in preseason with three goals.

Swapping Real Sociedad for Bilbao

Iñigo Díaz de Cerio and Xabier Castillo have also signed for Bilbao this season from Real Sociedad. Iban Zubiaurre is back at San Mamés as well after a season out on loan at Elche.