Cubarsí and Laporte: A new clash between Spain's wall duo at the FIFA World Cup

Tonight, Spotify Camp Nou hosts a special clash between Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte as FC Barcelona takes on Athletic Bilbao in a postponed match from the first round of La Liga. This encounter brings back memories of their partnership with the Spain national team during the FIFA World Cup.

Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" highlighted the matchup, noting that 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí and 32-year-old Aymeric Laporte have formed the essential centre-back duo for the Spanish national team in the eight matches of the tournament, starting from the clash against Cape Verde all the way to the final against Argentina.

The duo contributed to Spain's title win, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, scored by Belgian Charles De Ketelaere in the quarter-finals, while keeping a clean sheet in 7 matches, despite facing teams with prominent attackers such as Portugal, France, and Argentina.

Pau Cubarsí impressed in his first appearance at the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his composure and ability to build play and position himself well. Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte provided his defensive partner with experience, strength, and game reading, forming a complementary duo in the backline of the Spain national team.

Cubarsí won the Best Young Player award at the FIFA World Cup, while Laporte was his main partner in central defence during Spain's journey to the title. They would meet again, but this time wearing different shirts.

The match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao features other encounters between world champions, notably Lamine Yamal against Nico Williams, as well as a goalkeeper showdown between Juan García and Unai Simón, after the four players shared the Spain national team's dressing room and celebrated together after their triumph, before meeting this time on opposite sides.