Barcelona booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final on Wednesday night, dismantling a shell-shocked Athletic Bilbao with a clinical 5-0 victory that underlined the growing chasm between the two sides.
In a display defined by relentless pressing and ruthless finishing, Hansi Flick’s men effectively ended the contest within a whirlwind first half. The win, their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions, sets up a mouth-watering final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid this Sunday.
The Catalans took the lead in the 22nd minute through Ferran Torres. It was a goal born of quick thinking; Fermin Lopez scuffed a shot that turned into an accidental assist, but Torres reacted quickest, cushioning the ball with a velvet first touch before rifling home from close range.
If the opener was fortunate, the second was pure class. On the half-hour mark, Raphinha exploited space on the flank to drill a low, fizzing cross into the heart of the area. Fermin Lopez, timing his run to perfection, met the ball with a deft flick to double the advantage.
The Basque defense, usually so disciplined, simply collapsed under the pressure. Just four minutes later, Fermin turned provider again, sliding a pass to Roony Bardghji. The youngster showed composure beyond his years, twisting away from his marker inside the box to fire low into the corner for 3-0.
Barcelona’s fourth arrived before the interval, putting the result beyond any doubt. Raphinha, arguably the most dangerous player on the pitch, burst into the penalty area and unleashed a ferocious strike into the roof of the net, leaving the Bilbao goalkeeper with no chance.
The Brazilian international wasn’t finished. Early in the second half, he capitalized on a defensive scramble following a poorly cleared cross. Finding the ball at his feet, Raphinha instinctively lashed a left-footed strike home to make it 5-0 and claim his second of the night.
With the game secured, Flick took the opportunity to manage his squad’s fitness. Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation who had watched the first hour from the dugout, was introduced as a late substitute. His brief cameo served as a warning to their upcoming final opponents that Barca still have gears to shift.
Athletic Bilbao, a side known for their grit, struggled to find any rhythm in the humid Jeddah air. They were second to every ball, unable to cope with the fluid movement of a Barcelona midfield that dictated the tempo from the opening whistle.
Barcelona are now one win away from defending their title and extending their record haul to 15 Super Cup trophies. For Flick, it is a statement of intent; for Athletic, it is a long flight back to Spain to lick their wounds.
