Raphinha Shines As Barcelona Rout Athletic Bilbao In Super Cup

Barcelona fans in Jeddah and around the world had every reason to celebrate on Wednesday night as their team produced a scintillating display to reach the Spanish Super Cup final, thrashing Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in a one-sided semi-final at King Abdullah Sports City. With this emphatic victory, the Catalan giants—already the record 15-time champions of the competition—extended their winning streak to nine matches across all competitions, underlining their intent to add yet another trophy to their already crowded cabinet.

Raphinha, returning to peak form after a two-month layoff due to a hamstring injury, was the undisputed star of the evening. The Brazilian winger netted twice, demonstrating both clinical finishing and creative flair, and left little doubt that he’s back to his best—or at least very close. "I am always looking to be at my best level, and I will never say I'm at my best," Raphinha told Movistar after the match. "I will keep looking, keep trying to have a season that, if not perfect, is almost perfect, always looking for the best for the team."

From the opening whistle, Hansi Flick’s side looked in complete control, even with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal starting on the bench. The La Liga leaders wasted no time asserting their dominance, and by halftime, they had not only put the result beyond doubt but also made a bit of history: Barcelona became the first team ever to score four first-half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final. Athletic Bilbao, enduring a difficult campaign, simply couldn’t keep up with the relentless pace and precision of their opponents.

The scoring began in the 22nd minute, when Ferran Torres showed his predatory instincts. A mishit shot from Fermin Lopez ricocheted fortuitously into Torres’ path, and the forward made no mistake from close range. It was a lucky break, but one that set the tone for what was to come. The floodgates opened soon after, with Barcelona slicing through Athletic’s defense almost at will.

The second goal was a thing of beauty. Raphinha, surging down the flank, cut the ball back perfectly for Fermin Lopez, who hammered a shot into the top corner. That was just the start of a remarkable eight-minute spell in which Barcelona netted three times. Roony Bardghji, the Swedish winger, made it 3-0 with a low shot that somehow squirmed under the body of Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon—a moment Simon will surely want to forget. The mistake from Spain’s number one keeper even sparked discussion about his place in the national team, with Barca’s own Joan Garcia waiting in the wings and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente—absent with the flu—no doubt taking note.

Barcelona weren’t done yet. In the 38th minute, Raphinha lashed a fierce shot into the top left corner, capping a relentless first-half assault and giving his side an unassailable lead. Athletic’s best chance of the night came when Oihan Sancet struck the post, but it was little respite for a team that looked outmatched in every department. The Basque club last lifted the Super Cup in 2021, but this time, they were left chasing shadows.

Four minutes after the restart, Raphinha struck again, this time with a lethal finish from close range. The Brazilian’s second of the night sealed the rout and sent a clear message to Barcelona’s potential final opponents—either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, who are set to clash on Thursday for the right to face the holders in Sunday’s final.

Despite the heavy defeat, Athletic Bilbao’s captain Inaki Williams showed humility in the face of adversity. "We have to say sorry to the fans who came here, we were not up to the level today, there's nothing else we can do than say sorry," Williams admitted. His apology summed up the mood in the Athletic camp—a mixture of disappointment and determination to bounce back.

For Barcelona, the victory was not just about the scoreline or the individual brilliance on display. It was a testament to the team’s depth and resilience. Hansi Flick’s decision to rest Lamine Yamal and still field a side capable of such dominance speaks volumes about the squad’s quality. Flick, who guided Barcelona to both the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles last season after winning the Spanish Super Cup in his debut campaign, has made no secret of his ambition to use this competition as a springboard for even greater success. "It's us who make games easy or hard -- when we're playing well, doing things right, defending well, attacking well, the game is easier," Raphinha said, echoing the team’s growing confidence.

The broader context of the tournament adds another layer of intrigue. The Spanish Super Cup, now hosted in Saudi Arabia under an agreement extended until 2029 between the Saudi authorities and the Spanish Football Federation, continues to attract global attention. The decision to play the competition abroad has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, but there’s no denying the spectacle and the opportunity it provides for clubs to showcase their talents on an international stage.

Looking ahead, all eyes will turn to Thursday’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid—the two Madrid giants who have 13 Super Cup titles between them. Whoever emerges victorious will have the daunting task of facing a Barcelona side brimming with confidence and firing on all cylinders. The final, set for Sunday in Jeddah, promises to be a blockbuster affair, with history, pride, and silverware all on the line.

As for Raphinha, his return from injury couldn’t have come at a better time. His two-goal performance not only secured Barcelona’s place in the final but also signaled that he’s ready to play a pivotal role as the season enters its critical phase. The Brazilian’s humility and hunger for improvement bode well for a team that refuses to rest on its laurels.

With nine consecutive victories and a place in yet another final, Barcelona have sent a clear warning to their rivals: they’re not just here to defend their title—they’re here to make history. Sunday’s showdown in Jeddah can’t come soon enough.