Barcelona delivered a ruthless reminder of their pedigree as they swept aside Athletic Club 5-0 to book their place in the Spanish Super Cup final, producing a blistering first-half display that left their opponents stunned in Saudi Arabia.
The holders, and record 15-time winners of the competition, struck four times in just 16 minutes before the break, effectively ending the contest long before half-time. In doing so, Barcelona became the first team in history to score four first-half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final, underlining their dominance on the night.
Hansi Flick’s side had looked sharp from the opening whistle at the Alinma Bank Stadium in Jeddah, pressing aggressively and moving the ball with pace and precision. Their breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Ferran Torres reacted quickest inside the box, finishing from close range after sustained pressure.
Eight minutes later, the lead was doubled in spectacular fashion. Midfielder Fermín López collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner, giving Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón no chance and sending Barcelona firmly into control.
Athletic Club barely had time to regroup before the third goal arrived. Teenager Roony Bardghji, continuing to grow in confidence on the big stage, struck a powerful effort that squirmed under the hands of Simón in the 34th minute. The goal summed up a disastrous spell for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who struggled to cope with Barcelona’s relentless tempo.
The rout was complete before half-time as Raphinha added a fourth in the 38th minute, firing a clinical shot into the roof of the net after another incisive move. At 4-0 down by the interval, Athletic faced an impossible task, while Barcelona walked off with the game already beyond doubt.
If there was any chance of a second-half revival, it disappeared just four minutes after the restart. Raphinha struck again to make it 5-0, finishing calmly with Simón once more helpless. The Brazilian winger’s brace capped a superb individual performance and underlined his growing importance in Flick’s attacking system.
From that point on, Barcelona eased off without ever losing control. They dominated possession, limited Athletic to few clear chances and managed the game with maturity, drawing appreciative applause from the 50,141 fans in attendance.
The victory marked Barcelona’s ninth consecutive win in all competitions, a run that reflects the growing confidence and cohesion within Flick’s squad. Having taken over with high expectations, the German coach appears to be moulding a side capable of blending youth, intensity and experience at the highest level.
Athletic Club, by contrast, endured a humbling evening. Valverde’s team were second best in every department and will be concerned by how quickly the match slipped away during Barcelona’s devastating first-half burst.
Barcelona will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Atlético Madrid or rivals Real Madrid, who meet in the second semi-final. A potential Clásico showdown in the final would add extra intrigue to a tournament already rich in narrative.
The Spanish Super Cup continues to be staged in Saudi Arabia after the Spanish Football Federation extended its agreement to host the competition there until 2029. While the arrangement has drawn debate, Barcelona’s performance ensured the football itself took centre stage on this occasion.
With silverware now just one match away, Flick’s side will head into the final brimming with belief. On this evidence, Barcelona look every inch a team ready to add another Super Cup title to their illustrious history.
