Barcelona cruised into the final of the Spanish Super Cup with a 5-0 demolition in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia as Brazilian superstar Raphinha netted twice.
The holders, who are record 15-time champions, will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, who play on Thursday, in Sunday’s final.
Hansi Flick began with teenage star Lamine Yamal on the bench, but his team still managed to achieve a comfortable victory at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
The La Liga leaders have now won nine consecutive matches across all competitions, while Athletic Bilbao, experiencing a tough season, were thoroughly outplayed.
Last season, Barca went on to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey after Flick’s side clinched the Spanish Super Cup for the first trophy under the German coach’s reign. Flick had expressed his desire to use the competition as a stepping stone for further success.
“It’s us who make games easy or hard – when we’re playing well, doing things right, defending well, attacking well, the game is easier,” Raphinha said following the triumph.
The forward has been in excellent form since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for around two months.
“I am always looking to be at my best level, and I will never say I’m at my best,” Raphinha continued.
“I will keep striving, aiming to have a season that, if not perfect, is almost perfect, always seeking the best for the team.”
Ferran Torres bundled home the opener after 22 minutes with a stroke of luck when Fermin Lopez’s mishit shot fell kindly for him.
Barca sliced through Athletic with a more appealing second goal, as Raphinha cut the ball back for Lopez to blast into the top corner, scoring the first of three goals in eight minutes.
Swedish winger Roony Bardghji netted the third, aided by Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon, who mishandled the low shot under his own body and into the net.
This incident gave Spain coach Luis de la Fuente something to ponder, as Simon is his number one choice, while Barca stopper Joan Garcia is making a strong case ahead of the World Cup. However, the Euro 2024-winning manager was absent due to flu.
Raphinha fired into the top left corner for Barcelona’s fourth after 38 minutes, as the Catalans maintained relentless pressure.
Oihan Sancet hit the post at the other end with Athletic’s best chance on a dismal night for the Basque side, who last won the competition in 2021.
Brazil international Raphinha secured his second goal soon after the break with a clinical close-range finish to seal Barca’s triumph.
“We have to apologise to the fans who came here, we were not up to the level today, there’s nothing else we can do than say sorry,” said Athletic captain Inaki Williams.