Barcelona progressed in Saudi Arabia as Gavi and Lamine Yamal, La Masia graduate made the difference.
Gavi and Lamine Yamal guided Barcelona to the Supercopa de Espana final as Hansi Flick’s side beat Athletic Club 2-0 in the semi-final clash in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The 20-year-old midfielder scored one and set up the other for his fellow academy graduate to spare the blushes of misfiring Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
The Catalan side caused some early trouble for their Basque opponents and should have taken the lead when Raphinha met a deadly Jules Kounde cross, but his acrobatic finish sent it flying over the bar.
The Brazilian had a key role in providing the opening goal, though, as he won the ball and started the move that ended with Gavi rushing in to meet a low cross from Alejandro Balde and firing into the net.
Athletic Club managed to find their way through Barca’s sturdy defence on occasion, but the quick reactions of Wojciech Szczesny kept them out while Raphinha and Yamal missed chances at the other end.
The 17-year-old sparked into life early in the second period when he brought down a pass from Gavi and went through against Unai Simon, slotting it past the goalkeeper to double his team’s lead on his return from injury.
Ernesto Valverde’s men twice thought they had pulled a goal back but they were both ruled out for offside, ensuring Flick’s team go on to face either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final, with the second semi-final tie to be played on Thursday.
Barcelona’s Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):
Took a risky approach by rushing out, but his great stops kept Barca in the lead.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Teed up Raphinha with a deadly ball and combined well with Yamal on the right. Well placed to make a great clearance at 1-0.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Some quality defending to keep out Athletic as his team’s grip on the game slipped.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Had a tough time against Inaki Williams but made some key interventions – including winning the ball moments before the second goal.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
His dangerous pass set up Gavi’s goal and had another dangerous ball cleared away.
Barcelona’s Midfield
Marc Casado (5/10):
A fairly weak and slow performance, he didn’t add enough to Barca’s build-up play.
Pedri (7/10):
Had a role in the opening goal by feeding Balde on the left and found Gavi for the second.
Gavi (8/10):
Came running into the dangerous area to smash his team into the lead and got the assist for a lovely pass to Yamal. Exceptional.
Barcelona’s Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Rather quiet in the first half but gave his team a cushion with a beautiful goal early in the second.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10):
Dropped back to get more involved but had no time on the ball as the defenders were on him quickly. Missed an unbelievable chance to make it 3-0.
Raphinha (6/10):
Lame finishing let him down when presented with a few excellent chances, but he started the move for their first goal and was a real threat.
Barcelona’s Subs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (5/10):
Replaced Yamal after the hour mark and grew into the game late on.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
Had a promising run right after coming on but his woeful pass caused a scare before VAR intervened. He then had a shot blocked in the 90th minute.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
A tame performance
Gerard Martin (N/A):
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
Only on for the last seven minutes.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
Will have few complaints as his side emerged as winners from a tough match.
