FC Barcelona delivered a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling Athletic Club with a clinical 5-0 victory in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The result, secured on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, was never in doubt after a blistering first-half performance, sending a strong statement of intent as the Catalan giants march into the final. The Catalan Whirlwind in Jeddah The scoreline was a fair reflection of Barcelona's dominance, who were rampant and relentless in attack. The match was effectively over as a contest midway through the first half when Xavi Hernández's side unleashed a devastating four-goal salvo in just 16 minutes. Athletic Club found themselves overwhelmed by the pace and precision of Barcelona's forward line. The opener came in the 22nd minute through Ferran Torres, who finished with aplomb to break the deadlock. This goal opened the floodgates. The lead was doubled just eight minutes later by Fermín López, who demonstrated predatory instincts in the box. The whirlwind continued as new signing Roony Bardghji added a third in the 34th minute, showcasing the depth and future potential of the squad. To cap a near-perfect half, Raphinha struck in the 38th minute, leaving Athletic reeling and the match all but decided by half-time.
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A Statement of Intent The second half began much as the first had ended. Raphinha grabbed his second goal of the night in the 52nd minute, a fine finish that sealed his brace and the 5-0 scoreline. For Athletic Club, it was a night to forget. They struggled to contain Barcelona's movement and were unable to generate any meaningful opportunities in front of goal, neutralized by a solid defensive display from Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé. This comprehensive victory is a significant psychological boost for Barcelona. It was not just a win, but a performance that underscored their fluid, possession-based philosophy and clinical edge in front of goal. The emergence of young talents like Fermín López and Bardghji seamlessly integrating into the first team bodes well for the club's future ambitions. Barcelona now awaits the winner of the other semi-final clash between eternal rivals Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Regardless of their opponent in the final, this emphatic performance has firmly established Barcelona as the team to beat in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup.
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