Barcelona delivered a footballing masterclass on January 7, 2026, as they stormed into the Spanish Super Cup final with a thumping 5-0 victory over Athletic Club at Alinma Bank Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In a contest that was billed as a potential banana skin for the defending champions, Hansi Flick’s side instead put on one of their most dominant performances of the season, leaving fans and pundits alike marveling at their precision and attacking flair.
From the outset, Barcelona looked a class above. Possession, high pressing, and lightning-quick passing set the tone, as the Catalans suffocated Athletic Club, barely allowing them a moment on the ball. The opening stages saw Barça’s intent clear as day, and it didn’t take long for the scoreboard to reflect their superiority.
Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Athletic Club. The goal was a moment of opportunism, as Torres poked home after a smart assist from Fermin Lopez, who, despite not fully controlling the ball, managed to thread it through. According to Barça Universal, "Ferran opened the scoring for Barcelona in Saudi Arabia with an awkward shot off Fermin’s assist." That early strike only fueled Barcelona’s confidence and seemed to sap the fight from their opponents.
The floodgates truly opened thereafter. Fermin Lopez, whose recent run of form has been nothing short of sensational, doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a stunning strike from a difficult angle. The midfielder wasn’t done yet—just minutes later, he set up Roony Bardghji for Barcelona’s third. Bardghji, the club’s new signing, was lively throughout, and his precise run and finish in the 33rd minute all but decided the contest before halftime.
Raphinha, a constant threat on the left flank with his pace and directness, put the icing on the cake just before halftime. He finished off a blistering counter-attack with a shot close to the post, sending the Barcelona faithful into raptures. By the 38-minute mark, the Blaugrana were already 4-0 up, a testament to their relentless attacking play and Athletic Club’s inability to contain them.
The first half left little doubt about the outcome, and Athletic Club, despite their best efforts, could not muster a significant response. Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, enjoyed a quiet evening, required to make just one save in the opening 45 minutes. As Barça Universal noted, "With Barcelona dominating the game, Athletic Club barely got on the ball to pose any threat to his goal and he had to make just one save in 45 minutes."
After the break, the Catalan giants showed no signs of letting up. Raphinha struck again, sealing his brace and putting the result beyond any doubt. With the final looming, coach Hansi Flick took the opportunity to rest key players—Pedri, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha were all substituted, preserving their legs for the all-important showdown at the weekend.
Player performances were rated highly across the board. Fermin Lopez earned a remarkable 9.5 out of 10 for his goal and two assists in the first half alone. Bardghji, starting in place of the slightly injured Lamine Yamal, was awarded a 9 for his dynamic display and clinical finish. Raphinha’s two-goal, one-assist performance earned him a perfect 10, with his ability to create and finish chances proving decisive. The defense, marshaled by Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi, was rarely troubled but showed composure and precision when called upon. Pedri’s return to the starting lineup saw Barcelona’s ball retention and buildup reach another level, earning him an 8.5 rating.
For Athletic Club, the evening was a harsh reminder of the gap between themselves and Spain’s elite. The side, coached by Ernesto Valverde, came into the match hoping to avenge their 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at Camp Nou in November 2025. Instead, they found themselves overwhelmed once more, unable to cope with the pace and movement of a Barcelona side firing on all cylinders. Athletic’s recent form in LaLiga had been middling—just one win in five matches—and their struggles continued on the continental stage.
The match’s setting in Saudi Arabia added another layer of intrigue. Since 2020, the Spanish Super Cup has been held in the Gulf state, a move that has generated significant revenue for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and increased the tournament’s global visibility. The decision, however, remains controversial, with critics citing the loss of the competition’s traditional roots and raising concerns about the political and social context of the host nation. Nevertheless, the financial benefits are undeniable, allowing the RFEF to invest more in Spanish football and reduce reliance on less stable income sources.
Barcelona’s victory not only secured their place in the final but also underscored their status as Spain’s team to beat. The club currently leads the LaLiga standings with a 16-1-2 record, 49 points, and a plus-33 goal differential. Their run of eight straight wins, including four consecutive clean sheets and a Champions League triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt, has them brimming with confidence. With a mostly healthy squad and momentum on their side, Hansi Flick’s men are eyeing a domestic treble and look poised to defend their Super Cup crown.
The Catalans now await the winner of the Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, who face off in the other semifinal. The final, set for Monday, January 12, promises to be a blockbuster, with Barcelona eager to lift their first trophy of the season and further cement their dominance under Flick.
For Athletic Club, the focus shifts back to LaLiga, where they sit eighth with 24 points from 19 matches. Valverde’s side will need to regroup quickly as they look to reignite their push for European qualification. Their next fixture is a trip to Mallorca, a chance to bounce back after a chastening night in Jeddah.
As the dust settles on a memorable semifinal, Barcelona’s emphatic win serves as both a warning and a statement of intent. With the final just days away, the Blaugrana are peaking at the right time, their blend of youth and experience making them favorites to add yet another piece of silverware to their glittering collection.
