Barcelona defeats Athletic Bilbao to reach Supercopa final

Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Wednesday night to qualify for the Supercopa de España final.

A first-half goal from Gavi and a brilliant second-half finish by Lamine Yamal sealed the win for the Catalans, setting up another potential El Clásico final.

The semi-final clash began with Barcelona dominating possession, as expected, with both coaches fielding strong starting lineups. Barcelona applied early pressure, with Raphinha coming close to breaking the deadlock in the opening 10 minutes, including a cheeky free-kick attempt at Unai Simón's near post.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Gavi finished off a superb team move that started with Casado winning the ball. After a sequence involving Martínez, Balde, and Pedri, Balde pulled the ball back into the six-yard box, where Gavi slotted it through Simón's legs.

Athletic Bilbao responded with intensity, creating chances in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Inaki Williams came close twice, including a well-timed volley that narrowly missed the target. Despite their efforts, Barcelona maintained their 1-0 lead heading into the break.

After the restart, Barcelona doubled their lead in stunning fashion. Athletic lost possession in their half, allowing Gavi to deliver a perfectly clipped pass to Lamine Yamal. Yamal controlled the ball in mid-air with exceptional skill, executed a roulette turn, and fired a near-post shot past Simón to make it 2-0.

Athletic fought back and found the net twice through Óscar De Marcos and Inaki Williams, but both goals were disallowed after VAR reviews, denying them the chance to level the game.

Another El Clásico in sight?

Barcelona now awaits the winner of Thursday’s semi-final clash between Real Madrid and Real Mallorca. The odds favour Real Madrid, who have been in scintillating form in La Liga. If Madrid progresses, fans will witness another thrilling El Clásico in Saudi Arabia.

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