Barcelona Storm into Super Cup Final
with Historic First-Half Blitz

Jeddah, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Barcelona
delivered a devastating first-half performance to crush Athletic Club 5-0,
securing their place in the Spanish Super Cup final in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.

The defending champions, chasing a
record-extending 16th title, sealed the semi-final clash before the interval
with a remarkable four-goal burst in just 16 minutes. This unprecedented feat
marks the first time any team has scored four times in the first half of a
Super Cup semi-final.

Ferran Torres initiated the
onslaught in the 22nd minute, tapping in from close range. Teenager Fermin
López doubled the lead shortly after with a powerful strike into the top
corner. The Athletic Club defense then unravelled further as a fierce drive
from Roony Bardghji slipped through goalkeeper Unai Simón, before Raphinha
blasted into the roof of the net to make it 4-0 by the 38th minute.

Raphinha compounded Athletic’s
misery just four minutes into the second half, completing his brace with a
clinical finish for the fifth goal.

Barcelona saw out the match with
ease, extending their winning streak across all competitions to nine matches
under German manager Hansi Flick. They now await the winner of tonight’s
semi-final between Atlético Madrid and 13-time champions Real Madrid.

The final will be held in Jeddah this
Sunday, following the recent extension of the agreement between the Spanish
Football Federation and Saudi Arabia to host the tournament until 2029.

— Ends/Khalid