Barcelona create Super Cup history with 5-0 demolition of Athletic

Barcelona stormed into the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, crushing Athletic Club 5-0. The holders scored four goals in 16 first-half minutes, becoming the first team to net four before half-time in a Super Cup semi-final. Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Roony Bardghji and Raphinha (2) scored, sealing a ninth straight win for Hansi Flick’s side.

After the Spanish Super Cup semi final kicked off in Saudi Arabia, Barcelona produced a ruthless and historic performance to demolish Athletic Club 5-0 and book their place in Sunday’s final. Hansi Flick’s side exploded into life with four goals in just 16 minutes, becoming the first team ever to score four first half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi final.

Ferran Torres started the onslaught in the 22nd minute with a simple close range finish. Eight minutes later, Fermín López smashed a brilliant strike into the top corner to double the lead. The floodgates stayed open as Roony Bardghji’s powerful effort slipped through Unai Simon’s hands in the 34th minute, making it 3-0. Just four minutes later, Raphinha hammered the ball into the roof of the net, giving Barcelona a 4-0 advantage before the break.

Any hopes of an Athletic comeback ended instantly after half time when Raphinha scored again in the 52nd minute, completing his brace and putting the result beyond any doubt. Barcelona controlled the rest of the match with ease to secure their ninth straight win in all competitions.

With 50,141 fans watching at the Alinma Bank Stadium, the defending champions marched into another final, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or 13 time winners Real Madrid.