Barcelona Defeat Athletic Club to Set Up Super Cup Final Clash

Barcelona secured a place in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia. Hansi Flick’s side started strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Gavi converted Alejandro Balde’s precise pass. Lamine Yamal added the second goal early in the second half, showcasing his talent as he latched onto a chipped ball and drove past goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams thought he had scored a consolation goal in the dying moments of normal time but the referee ruled it out for offside. Barcelona will face the winner of Thursday’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Mallorca in Sunday’s final. The match came too soon for Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, Barcelona’s summer signings to make their debuts.

Although the Spanish national sports council (CSD) granted the club provisional permission to register them on Wednesday, they could not feature in the semi-final. La Liga’s wage cap restrictions had prevented the duo’s inclusion earlier in the season. Last Saturday, both the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga rejected Barcelona’s request to re-register the players.

However, the CSD intervened on Wednesday following the club’s appeal, granting a temporary measure that allows the players to feature. With this decision, Olmo and Victor could join the squad for the Super Cup final on Sunday, strengthening Barcelona’s options as they aim for the trophy. The win highlighted Barcelona’s reliance on youth with standout performances from Gavi and Yamal driving the team to victory.