At the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the first semi-final turned into a truly spectacular performance. The reigning La Liga champions and national cup holders, Barcelona, secured a resounding 5-0 victory, leaving Athletic Bilbao practically no chance.
In the clash, which took place on January 7 at the King Abdullah Sports City arena in Jeddah, the Catalans set the tempo high from the first minutes. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Shortly after, in the 30th minute, Fermin scored, further consolidating the lead. In the 34th minute, Bardakchi extended the lead, and in the 38th minute, Rafinha "broke" the opponent once again - the very first half proved a heavy verdict for Athletic.
Barcelona didn't lose in the second half either. In the 52nd minute, Rafinha scored a brace, putting an end to the game. In short, the scene on the field is like "they gave instructions and did everything": the opponent has no time, no attack, no spirit left to respond.
Among the heroes of the match, Rafinha stood out: she scored both a brace and an assist. Fermin and Bardakchi made their statistics "beautiful" by scoring one goal each and providing two more assists. That is, every pressing in Barcelona's attack last night felt like "certainly," not "possible."
Now the focus has shifted to the second semi-final: on January 8th, Madrid's two eternal rivals, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, will face each other. Pride on one side, character on the other. The next evening in Jeddah will undoubtedly not be "unpleasant."
Saudi Super Cup. Semi-final
Barcelona - Athletic Bilbao 5:0
January 7. Jeddah. "King Abdullah Sports City"
Goals: Torres (22), Fermin (30), Bardakchi (34), Rafinha (38, 52).
Barcelona: Joan Garcia, Balde (Martin, 64'), Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Kounde, De Jong (Bernal, 64'), Pedri (Almo, 72'), Fermin, Bardakchi (Yamal, 72'), Rafinha (Rashford, 65'), Ferran.
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro (Martinez, 57'), Xauregizar, Rego (Sanchez, 65'), Berenger, Sanset (de Galarreta, 54'), Navarro (Gomes, 54'), I. Williams (Guruseta, 54').
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