Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona triumphed 5-0 over Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah to secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final
- Raphinha scored twice, while Ferran Torres, Fermín López, and Roony Bardghji also found the net
- Hansi Flick left Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski on the bench for this encounter
First-Half Brilliance Puts Barcelona in Command
Barcelona delivered a dominant display to sweep aside Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Jeddah. Hansi Flick opted to start without Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, or Robert Lewandowski, but his selected XI delivered a ruthless performance. The Catalans took control early in the match, despite an initial high-tempo spell from Ernesto Valverde’s side, who produced several dangerous openings but failed to test the visiting goalkeeper.
𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/O5mTuVPryY
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 7, 2026
After a few early scares, Barcelona quickly imposed themselves. In the 16th minute, Roony Bardghji set up Pedri, whose shot was straight at Unai Simón. Soon afterwards, Ferran Torres set up Fermín López for another chance, but Simón was again alert. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute, with Ferran Torres benefitting from a fortunate mishit, sending the ball past the helpless goalkeeper to put Barça ahead.
Barcelona doubled their lead after half an hour. Pedri’s pass released Raphinha, whose pinpoint cross found the unmarked Fermín López for a calm finish. The goal appeared to rattle Bilbao, and just four minutes later, Bardghji added a third, beating his marker with a feint and firing an effort that slipped past Unai Simón. The advantage was extended to 4-0 when Raphinha caught the Bilbao keeper out with a sharp, angled strike in the 38th minute. Although Oihan Sancet struck the post late in the half, Bilbao were unable to respond and went into the interval trailing by four.
Raphinha Adds Fifth Before Barça Close Out Comprehensive Victory
Barcelona maintained their attacking intent after the restart and continued to threaten the Bilbao goal. Raphinha netted his second of the match in the 52nd minute, converting after a scramble in the area. Flick introduced a triple change in the 64th minute, replacing Raphinha and bringing on options including Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal.
With a five-goal cushion, Barça dropped the tempo, focusing on possession while still probing for further chances. Athletic Bilbao’s best opportunity for a consolation goal came in the 77th minute when substitute Unai Gómez broke through one-on-one but spurned the chance, dragging his shot wide. Yamal impressed with a skillful dribble past two players in the closing stages, though his effort was blocked, and no further goals were added.
Conclusion
With this resounding 5-0 win, Barcelona have progressed to the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Hansi Flick’s tactical selections paid off handsomely, while a variety of contributors were decisive in attack. Athletic Bilbao showed intent in the opening stages but ultimately struggled to contain Barcelona’s relentless forward movement and incisive finishing.
