FC Barcelona made it to the final of the Super Cup after beating Athletic Club 2-0 in a match where they showed a remarkable dominance from the start. With goals from Gavi and young talent Lamine Yamal, the Catalan team dismantled Athletic, who arrived with important absentees and saw their 15-match unbeaten streak cut short.
This victory allows Barça to dream of a title they have not celebrated since the league title won by Xavi in the 2022-23 season.
The high pressing of the azulgrana team was key to overcome Ernesto Valverde's team, which was limited by the absence of important players such as Galarreta, Sancet and Nico Williams. These absences were decisive in the development of the game, leaving the Basques without the fluidity and strength that usually characterize them. From the first minutes, Barcelona imposed their rhythm and generated clear chances that set the tone of the match.
A First Half Of Clear Azulgrana Dominance
The start of the match made it clear that Barça were ready to make a difference from the outset. Within the first three minutes, the team had already generated two clear chances, with Koundé and Raphinha testing the resistance of Unai Simón, who was solid under the three posts.
However, Barcelona's insistence was rewarded in the 15th minute, when a run down the left flank by Alejandro Balde culminated in a goal by Gavi. This goal reflected the azulgrana's superiority and put Athletic, who were slow to react, in trouble.
Although Athletic improved in the last minutes of the first half, managing to control the ball more and get closer to the opponent's area, they were unable to equalize. Szczesny, Barcelona's starting goalkeeper in this match, had a key intervention when he saved a shot by Iñaki Williams that could have meant the equalizer.
A Second Half Sentenced By Lamine Yamal
The second half started with the same script: an energetic Barcelona and a disconnected Athletic. A mistake in the red and white team's exit allowed Gavi to assist Lamine Yamal, who did not forgive in front of Unai Simón and extended the lead in the 50th minute. This goal consolidated Barça's dominance and left Athletic in a complicated position, further evidencing the absences in their squad.
Despite Valverde's attempts to revitalize his team with the introduction of Nico Williams, Athletic failed to generate consistent danger. On the contrary, Barcelona came close to scoring the third goal, with Lewandowski coming close to making it 0-3 in a move that would have completely sealed the game.
In the final minutes, Athletic tried to react and had some chances, including two goals that were disallowed for offside, frustrating the Basque team's hopes.
The #SuperSuperSuperCup semifinals begin Do you have your parlay yet? 🔥🇪🇦🏆
Barca and #RealMadrid, finalists in the 2024 and 2023 editions, are the great candidates to win the cup.
Will there be a Spanish derby in the final, predict now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0draMpV pic.twitter.com/9JF2ShNHWD
- Betcris (@Betcris) January 8, 2025
Ready for the Final
With this victory, Barcelona prepares for the Super Cup final on January 12, where it will seek to break a title drought that has been unusual in its recent history. The solid performance against Athletic boosts the team's confidence as they look to take the trophy in Sunday's match.
For Culés fans, the performance of youngsters like Lamine Yamal and Gavi is a positive sign for the club's future, while the consistency shown in this match generates optimism for the challenges ahead.
For its part, Athletic closes its participation in the Super Cup with its head held high, despite the difficulties faced in this encounter. Their performance in recent months has been admirable, and the team will be looking to redeem themselves in the remaining competitions of the season.