Spanish giants Barcelona booked their place in the final of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup with a resilient 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
The semi-final clash at King Abdullah Sports City saw Gavi and Lamine Yamal rise to the occasion, netting the decisive goals that propelled the Catalan giants to the showpiece match.
The match began with Barcelona pressing high and creating early chances. Raphinha nearly scored twice within the first ten minutes, and the team’s pressure was rewarded in the 17th minute when Alejandro Balde’s assist helped Gavi to slot home the opener.
Lamine Yamal came close to doubling the lead shortly after, winning the ball high up the pitch and setting Raphinha up for a one-on-one chance. However, Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón denied the Brazilian. Despite controlling the game, Barça allowed Athletic to grow into the match, with Iñaki Williams attempting to equalise before halftime.
The second half saw Barça regain their balance, and Yamal delivered the crucial second goal. After Iñigo Martínez won the ball in midfield, Gavi provided a sublime pass to Yamal, who calmly finished past Simón to double the lead.
Athletic pushed hard for a comeback, but despite two late goals from Óscar de Marcos and Iñaki Williams, both were disallowed for offside, sealing Barcelona’s win.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick spoke about the team’s determination to win, particularly for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, who had recently been cleared to play after months of registration issues.
Flick acknowledged the importance of their inclusion,
“I think it was, for us, a good signal before the match. We are a team, and we wanted to win for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, but also for the club,” he said.
“Of course, I’m really happy for these two players, but I’m also happy for the whole team in the end, I don’t want to talk about what happened in the past, but we have to keep going, and I hope this benefits us in the future,” the coach added.
Gavi paid tribute to Olmo by replicating his trademark wrist-pointing celebration after scoring,
“I told him before that I was going to do it if I scored, and I’ve dedicated it to him, both Dani and Pau are players who help us a lot, and we are all happy because they can play now.”
Yamal, returning from injury with a goal, echoed similar sentiments,
“In the end, we are very happy that they can play now. I hope that in the final, they will be with us. If the coach puts them on, let them give it their all,” the 17-year-old forward remarked.
The victory sets up a thrilling final for Barça, with Flick’s side aiming to secure their first trophy of the season.
Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal set to renew contract beyond 2026
Previously, TheRadar reported that Barcelona and Spanish star Lamine Yamal now looks set to secure his long-term future at Barcelona.
The 17-year-old winger, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, revealed he is confident of signing a contract extension that will see him stay at Camp Nou beyond 2026. His performances have not only established him as a crucial player for Barcelona but also earned him praise as one of the most exciting prospects in football. ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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