2021/22 Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona vs Real Madrid: times, TV and how to watch online

All the information you need to watch the 2021/22 Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Wednesday 12 January 2022.

The first Clásico of 2022 takes place around 4,500 kilometres from the Spanish mainland in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night. Archenemies Barcelona and Real Madrid have been experiencing contrasting seasons - in LaLiga, Ancelotti’s Madrid are five points clear at the top of the table and appear to be home and dry with just under half of the season left to play. They also remain alive in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

In stark comparison, Barça are only just emerging from the catastrophic meltdown they suffered during the first half of the season, while fans were still reeling from Messi’s departure. They have had a change of coach, were dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage for the first time in two decades and are 17 points behind Madrid in LaLiga. To make matters worse, they’re now also counting the cost of chronic financial mismanagement - to the point where they have been forced to send Philippe Coutinho, the most expensive signing in LaLiga history, to Aston Villa on loan. On top of that, they’ve a host of injury problems to contend with as well as players succumbing to Covid-19. On the plus side, they have signed Ferran Torres - just the player they need and it's encouraging to see how the upcoming players like Gavi, Jutglà and Nico are flourishing under Xavi's guidance.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: team news

Ancelotti took a 24-man squad to Saudi Arabia comprising practically his entire first team roster apart from Gareth Bale, who is not fully fit and Mariano, who picked up a hamstring injury in the recent Copa del Rey tie against Alcoyano. The coach admitted on the eve of the game that he has his starting line-up more or less decided, with the only doubts on the right-hand side. Dani Carvajal or Lucas Vázquez will start at right-back and the coach hinted that Rodrygo could join Vinicius and Benzema up front with Asensio on the bench.

Xavi also took 24 players along for the trip. Centre-back Eric García is out for a few weeks with a torn hamstring and misses out. Ansu Fati, Frenkie De Jong and Ronald Araújo travelled with the squad but only received the medical all-clear on Tuesday evening. As for winter signing Ferran Torres, he could make his debut against the eternal rivals. Also part of Barça's travelling party are Iñaki Peña, Alex Balde, Ez Abde and Álvaro Sanz.

What time does Barcelona vs Real Madrid kick off?

The 2021/22 Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday 12 January 2022, kicking off at the local time of 22:00 hours AST.

That is 2pm ET (New York), 11am PT (Los Angeles), 9pm in the UK and 20:00 hours CET for those watching in Spain.

Find out what time the 2022 Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Real Madrid kicks off wherever you are in the world.

Where can I watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid in the US and UK?

In the US and UK, the following television channels and online services will be broadcasting Barcelona vs Real Madrid:

United States: ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN Deportes+

United Kingdom: BT Sport 1, BT Sport App, BTSport.com

Spain: #Vamos

Saudi Arabia: SSC

Find out who is showing Barcelona vs Real Madrid around in the world.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: live AS USA coverage

You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of the 2022 Super Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Real Madrid right here at AS USA. We'll be building up to the game from about an hour or so ahead of kick-off, before taking you through the action as it unfolds.