Barcelona breeze past Athletic Bilbao to reach Super Cup final

Goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal in each half proved enough to end Athletic's 15-match unbeaten run, with the Catalans dominating from the outset.

Athletic, plagued by injuries to key players including Galarreta, Sancet, and Nico Williams, struggled to find their rhythm.

Manager Ernesto Valverde was forced into a reshuffled lineup that lacked the cohesion his side are known for. "The injuries made it tough for us to play our usual game," Valverde admitted.

Barcelona made their intentions clear early on, with Jules Kounde and Raphinha both going close within the first three minutes.

Raphinha also tested Unai Simon with a clever free-kick, but it was Gavi who broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, converting a move initiated by Alejandro Balde on the left.

Athletic grew into the game late in the first half, with Inaki Williams forcing a fine save from Wojciech Szczesny.

However, Barcelona's control resumed after the break. Lamine Yamal doubled the lead with a composed finish after linking up with Gavi, capping a commanding display from the teenager.

Robert Lewandowski nearly added a third, but Barcelona were content to manage their advantage. Athletic introduced Nico Williams in the second half to spark their attack, but despite a late push, including disallowed goals for Oscar de Marcos and Inaki Williams, the Basque side rarely troubled Szczesny.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made headlines before the match by benching Inaki Pena as a disciplinary measure, opting instead for Szczesny. Flick said, "The team responded well. This is the kind of performance we need to carry into the final."

With their victory, Barcelona will aim to end an 18-month trophy drought in Sunday's final, a much-needed boost amid ongoing off-field challenges.

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