New Delhi: Gavi and Lamine Yamal’s goals ensured that Hansi Flick’s Barcelona registered a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, reaching their third consecutive final. Barcelona made a strong start as Gavi broke the deadlock and gave the side a 17th-minute lead from Alejandro Balde’s pass.
Yamal then doubled their lead seven minutes after the break from a chipped pass as he drove past Unai Simons. Barcelona’s first chance came from Raphinha who at first had volleyed over and then struck a powerful free kick which Simon managed to fend off but little was stopping Barca who were on a song.
INTO THE SPANISH SUPER CUP FINAL! pic.twitter.com/dG7vMQopSu
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2025
Their second goal would have come much earlier had Raphinha not hit yet another straight to the hands of the keeper after being put for a one-on-one by Yamal. After this Athletic started to create opportunities as well. Wojciech Szczesny was then tested as he stopped a low cross from Yuri Beriche with Gorka Guruzeta making a hash of a simple tap-in for a goal. Later Barca’s keeper also denied Inaki Williams right before halftime.
Hansi Flick reacts to Barcelona’s win
The 17-year-old Yamal had missed the last two games due to an ankle injury but his performance in the game showcases why Flick chose to start him in the game. Flick later said that Yamal was coming back from an injury which was why he needed to be substituted in the 63rd minute of the game. Talking about the performance Flick was happy with how the team had turned up for the game and maintaining a clean sheet.
The German manager noted that their goal was to go through the final and the win was a deserving one. On Wednesday Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) permitted Barcelona to provisionally register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. Although it was too late for them to take part in the game against Athletic the duo will be available for selection to play Sunday’s decider.
Athletic on the other hand had earlier left a not completely fit Nico William out of the starting XI but was called onto the field when his side were in a two-goal deficit in the game. However, it was Inaki Williams who gave Athletic the best chance at a comeback in the game when he played a wide shot from a decent position. Both Oscar de Marcos and Inaki Williams scored for Athletic towards the closing minutes of the game but were ruled offside as Barcelona sailed into the final.
Barcelona have been the most successful in Super Cup with 14 trophies to their and will now face the defending champions Real Madrid who are chasing their record-equalling trophy.
Barcelona beat Athletic Club to secure a Spanish Super Cup final match with Real Madrid after both Gavi and Lamine Yamal score goals in the semifinal. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
