Barcelona advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final on Wednesday, crushing Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Hansi Flick’s side lead from the opening whistle, securing their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions.
Goals from Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Roony Bardghji, and a brace from Raphinha ensured the defending champions will return to the final on Sunday.
The contest was effectively decided during a 16-minute window in the first half. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, turning in a Fermín López pass with a sharp first touch. López then doubled the lead on the half-hour mark, finishing a low cross from Raphinha, before Roony Bardghji added a third just four minutes later.
Raphinha made it 4-0 before halftime, bursting into the box to fire into the roof of the net. "I think if it was an easy game, it was because we made it that way," Raphinha said post-match. "When we are on form, games can become easier."
Barcelona’s midfield, led by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, controlled the tempo so effectively that Hansi Flick was able to keep teenage star Lamine Yamal on the bench for most of the night. Flick praised the team's improved focus following a recent lackluster performance against Espanyol. "Today we saw a totally different mentality, attitude, and how we played as a team, in defense and also offense," Flick remarked.
The manager utilized the second half to manage his squad's minutes, bringing on Yamal, Marcus Rashford, and Marc Bernal once the result was secure.
Athletic Bilbao struggled to mount a response, with their closest opportunity coming just before halftime when Oihan Sancet hit the post. Raphinha extended the lead to 5-0 in the 52nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball to fire home his second of the night.
Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde made five substitutions immediately following the fifth goal to preserve his starters. While Unai Gómez missed a late one-on-one chance for the Basque side, Barcelona remained in total control until the final whistle.
The victory positions Barcelona to chase a record-extending 15th Super Cup title this Sunday. The performance was characterized by the "Flick Ball" style that has defined the team over the last 18 months, combining high-pressing defense with a direct, clinical attack.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will have to regroup after a performance where they were outclassed in every department. All eyes now turn to the Madrid derby on Thursday to determine Barcelona's opponent for the trophy.
