Barcelona's Thrilling Super Cup Semi-Final Victory
The Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao unfolded at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated clash showcased a thrilling contest, culminating in a well-deserved victory for Barcelona. The atmosphere was electric, with fans treated to a pre-game fireworks display as the two teams emerged from the tunnel. The confirmed line-ups featured notable returns for Barcelona, with Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde, Marc Casadó, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha all starting. Athletic Club, meanwhile, made eight changes to the side that had recently edged past Logroñés in the Copa del Rey.
Gavi's Goal and Barcelona's Dominance
From the outset, Barcelona asserted their dominance. Lamine Yamal, already a fan favorite, orchestrated a series of early chances, with Koundé narrowly missing the target. Lewandowski, too, saw his shot blocked. Athletic Bilbao struggled to create any real substance in their attacks. Then came the pivotal moment: a beautifully worked goal, initiated by Raphinha’s spin and pass to Pedri. Pedri’s incisive pass found Balde, whose low ball into the box was expertly finished by Gavi, slotting the ball beneath Simón to put Barcelona ahead. This was Gavi's first goal for Barcelona since his September 2023 strike against Antwerp.
Gavi's Super Cup Prowess
Spanish stats guru Mister Chip highlighted Gavi's impressive record in the Spanish Super Cup. The midfielder has either scored or assisted in four of Barcelona's last seven goals in this competition, showcasing his significant impact in the tournament.
Athletic's Fightback and Missed Opportunities
Despite falling behind, Athletic Bilbao did not surrender. They enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession, with Williams nearly scoring but ultimately failing to capitalize on a decent chance. They also had another opportunity when Yuri’s low ball found Guruzeta, but Szczesny, the Barcelona goalkeeper, displayed his reflexes to make a crucial save. Other chances went begging, with Jauregizar blazing a shot over the bar, and Williams’s hesitation leading to a wasted opportunity, showcasing the team's struggle to properly execute plays.
Barcelona's Control and Near Misses
Barcelona, however, maintained control. Raphinha, despite a couple of near misses, continued to pose a threat, while Lamine Yamal's presence inspired the locals and had the crowd roaring with approval. A moment of near disaster saw Szczesny rush off his line and almost gift Williams a goal, but the Barcelona keeper recovered to deflect the ball away for a corner. The first half ended with Barcelona deservedly ahead by one goal, despite Athletic having moments of dangerous play in the final minutes.
The Second Half and a Comfortable Victory
In the second half, Barcelona continued to dictate the pace, creating several promising chances. Athletic, while putting in a valiant effort and displaying a fighting spirit, struggled to break down the Barcelona defense. The game concluded with a comfortable victory for Barcelona, sending them to the final where they will await the winner of the Real Madrid - Real Mallorca match.
A Super Cup Showdown for the Ages
The match highlighted the contrasting styles of play between the two teams. Barcelona's fluid, possession-based approach contrasted with Athletic Bilbao’s more direct, counter-attacking style. While Athletic’s fightback and missed opportunities showed their potential, Barcelona’s quality and clinical finishing ultimately secured their place in the final. The absence of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor from the Barcelona roster due to registration issues added a significant layer of drama to the match. However, the Spanish National Sports Council's decision to allow their provisional registration offered a glimmer of hope for their availability in the final.
This semi-final highlighted Barcelona's resilience and their ability to triumph despite facing challenges both on and off the field. It sets the stage for a captivating final in the prestigious Spanish Super Cup tournament.
