Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona: Gavi and Yamal send Flick´s side into Supercopa showpiece

Gavi and Lamine Yamal were on target as Barcelona overcame Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to book their place in the Supercopa de Espana final.

Hansi Flick’s side were comfortable winners at King Abdullah Sports City in Riyadh, though Bilbao saw two late goals ruled out for offside.

Raphinha twice went close early on for Barca, before they took the lead in the 17th minute.

Following a lovely team move, Pedri released Alejandro Balde down the left, with the latter pulling the ball across the six-yard box for Gavi to tuck home.

Gavi turned provider as the Blaugrana doubled their advantage within seven minutes of the restart. His lofted pass was brilliantly controlled and fired in by Yamal.

Oscar de Marcos thought he had pulled a goal back for Bilbao in the 82nd minute, only to be denied by the offside flag.

Four minutes later, Inaki Williams was also thwarted following a VAR review, with Barca advancing to Sunday’s final, where Real Madrid or Mallorca await.

FULL TIME!
SEE YOU IN THE FINAL! pic.twitter.com/wbeJKGWgSv

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 8, 2025

Data Debrief: Three in a row for Barca

Barca are through to their third successive Supercopa de Espana final, but were made to work to ensure their appearance in Sunday’s showpiece.

Though Flick’s side registered an expected goals (xG) total of 2.48 from their 14 shots, they allowed their opponents 10 attempts, though only five were on target.

Despite not getting himself on the scoresheet, Raphinha was arguably Barca’s star performer, registering more shots (six) and touches in the opposition box (seven) than any other player on the pitch.