Barcelona reached the final of the Spanish Super Cup for the third time in a row by defeating Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona played great football in the first hour. They took control of the match with goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal. In the end, Athletic Bilbao increased the pressure on them. Twice they sent the ball to the net but did not get any goal due to offside. Barcelona reached the final of the Spanish Super Cup for the third time in a row.
Hansi Flick’s team won 2-0 in the first semi-final on Wednesday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They scored one goal in each half.
Barcelona will face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Mallorca on Sunday.
In the final of the last season, Vinicius Junior’s hat-trick won the title by defeating Barcelona 4-1.
Barcelona got the first chance in the fifth minute to press Bilbao at King Abdullah Sports City. Raphinha hit the pass of Jules Kunda in the box. Three minutes later, the Brazilian forward’s free-kick was thwarted by goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Barcelona went ahead in the 17th minute. Pedri’s pass finds Alejandro Balde in the box. Gavi sent the ball to the net with the first touch from outside the six-yard box in the defender’s cut-back.
It was the 20-year-old Spanish midfielder’s first goal for Barcelona this season. He returned to the field last October after being out for 11 months with a serious knee injury.
Simone did not allow the gap to increase in the 24th minute with a double save. The Spanish goalkeeper also stopped Yamal’s shot after returning Raphinha’s effort.
In the 36th minute, Bilbao, who played here from 15 matches unbeaten in all competitions, got a good chance to return to equality. Gorka’s effort was stopped by goalkeeper Voicheck Stansny. At the end of the first half, Bilbao captain Inaki Williams got another chance.