In a performance of breathtaking dominance, Barcelona swept aside Athletic Club 5-0 in their Supercopa de España semi-final in Jeddah, booking a place in Sunday’s final with an emphatic statement of intent.
From the outset, the La Liga leaders dictated the tempo, and despite manager Hansi Flick’s decision to rest teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, the Blaugrana attack clicked into devastating gear. The first-half was a masterclass in incisive finishing, with Barcelona scoring four times in a blistering 23-minute spell that left Athletic shell-shocked.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, as Ferran Torres reacted quickest to a deflected shot from Fermin López, bundling the ball past goalkeeper Unai Simón. The provider turned scorer just eight minutes later, with Fermin López making amends for an earlier miss by coolly slotting home to double the advantage.
The right-wing, patrolled superbly by the electrifying Roony Bardghji in Yamal’s absence, was the source of constant danger. The young Danish winger capped his influential performance by netting the third goal, showcasing his pace and composure. The first-half rout was completed by Raphinha, who rifled in a superb fourth just before the break.
Any notion of an Athletic comeback was extinguished within minutes of the restart, as Raphinha added his second and Barcelona’s fifth, putting the result beyond any doubt and allowing Flick to rotate his squad for the final half-hour.
While the attacking quartet stole the headlines with four players—Bardghji, Fermin López, and Raphinha—earning 9/10 ratings, the foundation was laid by a controlled and comfortable defensive and midfield performance. Pedri orchestrated proceedings with ease before being substituted, and the backline, marshalled by Pau Cubarsí, dealt comfortably with the sporadic Athletic threat, with goalkeeper Joan García rarely troubled.
The victory sets up a final clash on Sunday against the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Mallorca. For Hansi Flick, this was the ideal scenario: a comprehensive victory that boosts confidence, allows key players to rest, and sends a powerful message to their rivals. Barcelona, displaying a ruthless edge often sought this season, have arrived in Saudi Arabia with a singular focus, and on this evidence, they will be formidable opponents in the quest for the season’s first trophy.
