Barcelona Secure Spanish Super Cup Final Spot with Victory Over Athletic Bilbao 2 – 0
Gavi and Yamal Shine as Barcelona Triumph Without Olmo
Barcelona stormed into the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, despite being without Dani Olmo, whose playing license was revoked before the match. Young talents Gavi and Lamine Yamal provided the firepower needed to seal the win for the Catalan giants.
Late Clearance for Olmo and Pau Victor
Olmo was granted temporary clearance to play just before kick-off, but the decision came too late for him or Pau Victor to participate in the semi-final. However, Barcelona made do without them, showcasing their depth and attacking prowess against the Copa del Rey champions.
Early Dominance and Gavi’s Opener
Barcelona started with intensity, pressing high and creating chances. Raphinha came close twice—first volleying over from a Jules Koundé cross, then forcing Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón into a fine save with a free-kick.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Alejandro Balde delivered a perfect cut-back for Gavi, who slotted home from close range. The goal was particularly special for the 20-year-old midfielder, marking his first since recovering from a severe knee injury last season. His celebration—pointing at an imaginary watch—was a tribute to Olmo, who often uses the same gesture after scoring.
Yamal Seals the Victory in Style
Athletic Bilbao struggled to find a foothold in the game, with Inaki Williams hesitating too long on a promising attacking move. Meanwhile, Yamal, making his return from an ankle injury, had a golden opportunity to double the lead before halftime but failed to lift his attempted lob over the goalkeeper.
Barcelona, however, wasted no time in the second half. Gavi played a perfectly weighted pass to Yamal, and the 17-year-old winger showed composure beyond his years, finishing clinically to make it 2-0.
Late Drama and Athletic’s Disallowed Goals
Robert Lewandowski had a chance to extend the lead further but misfired from a promising position. Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde, once sacked by Barcelona in 2020 after a defeat at the same venue, introduced Nico Williams to inject fresh energy into his side.
Williams made an impact, setting up Oscar de Marcos for a goal, only for it to be ruled offside. Later, Inaki Williams thought he had pulled one back, but the goal was disallowed after a slight deflection from Álvaro Djaló on a poor back-pass from Frenkie de Jong.
Despite Bilbao’s late push, Barcelona held firm, securing their place in Sunday’s final, where Olmo will finally be eligible to feature.
Looking Ahead: Barcelona’s Title Aspirations
Speaking after the match, Yamal expressed his excitement about the final:
“We don’t care who we face in the final. It will be tough, but our goal is clear—to win and bring the trophy back home.”
Barcelona will now await the winner of Real Madrid vs. Mallorca, set to face them in a highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways:
- Gavi and Yamal were instrumental in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
- Dani Olmo and Pau Victor were cleared to play but not in time for the match.
- Athletic Bilbao had two goals disallowed, with Inaki Williams missing a crucial opportunity.
- Barcelona set to face either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the Spanish Super Cup final.
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