On an evening filled with joyous football but riddled with errors, FC Barcelona got back on track in the Saudi Super Cup by eliminating Athletic Club 2-0, thanks to some of the best moments by Gavi, the whimsical Lamine Yamal and remarkable performances by Raphinha and Koundé. The victory comes amid controversy after a disallowed goal for Iñaki Williams following an error by Frenkie de Jong, but the Catalan club will now progress to the final at Yeda on Sunday against the winner of Thursday’s clash between Mallorca and Real Madrid (8:00 p.m., Movistar+).
The afternoon in Yeda began with strange events. The stadium gates opened five hours before kickoff; the Real Madrid bus arrived 60 minutes late due to traffic, despite a police escort through the city streets; and Joan Laporta, feeling the pressure, celebrated like crazy as Dani Olmo saved for the final, even though he still doesn’t know if he can count on him in the future. As for football, Athletic seemed mortally wounded with the absences they had to face, with Sancet in the stands and Nico Williams on the bench, facing a hungry FC Barcelona who welcomed back Lamine Yamal.
Read more:
FC Barcelona obtains an interim measure to re-register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor
That the little wonder is the player of the moment was confirmed by the tumult of a half-filled King Abdullah Stadium during the first semi-final of the Super Cup. Favored by a public supporting the powerful team, Barça played intermittently, almost like at home, and overwhelmed Athletic with a thunderous start: first, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Koundé combined, but the situation ended. ended with a cross that found no takers against a disoriented Unai Simón, and without having time to blink, Koundé set up Raphinha for a volley which went over. The Brazilian also threatened with a direct free kick just over the barrier, and in the 16th minute the goal arrived: a pass from Pedri, a run and cross from Balde, and a strike from Gavi through the legs of Unai Simon. This was dedicated to Olmo, who was applauding on the sidelines.
Read more:
Former English Champion and Holder of Two European Titles, Nottingham Forest Shines in the Premier League
The goal hurt Athletic’s pride: they pushed to defend but exposed themselves. Little by little, they began to find their rhythm with their traditional play on the wings, although the approach came with risks, as evidenced by Raphinha and Lamine’s double chance in the 22nd minute.
-Nico, who came on as a substitute, added spice to every situation Iñaki Williams found himself in. To run, dribble, or shoot. Just before half-time, the big brother created the best chance: he controlled a chested cross and fired over in the 42nd minute while the crowd went ola, with a touch after a Yuri run on the left that Szczesny saved.
Read more:
In LaLiga, “the arguments presented” by Barça are “unknown”
The game began to open up just seven minutes into the second half. Barcelona took advantage of another hesitant moment from Athletic to steal the ball in the opposing camp until reaching a flourishing Gavi, who assisted Lamine Yamal. A backward check, a forward advance, and a hammer blow of the phenomenon.
With the score at 0-2, a series of substitutions arrived to try to revive Athletic, including the entry of Nico Williams. His presence once again livened up the game, which could have been revived by a volley from his brother Iñaki amid so many chances. There were even two disallowed goals, one for De Marcos being offside, and another controversial after a back pass from Frenkie de Jong, who unconsciously assisted Iñaki Williams, who theoretically converted it with a illegal position due to previous contact from Djaló.
Read more:
Real Madrid dominates Levante 5-0 and extends the party
