Barcelona secured their place in the final of the Spanish Super Cup with a resounding 5-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia. Brazilian superstar Raphinha scored
twice in the match as the defending champions, who have won the competition 15 times, will face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the final on Sunday.
Hansi Flick opted to start teenage star Lamine Yamal on the bench, yet his team still managed a convincing win at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
Raphinha makes scoring look easy despite playing on the RW
pic.twitter.com/qp64CpANAK— ????????????????????👑 (@Og_papilo) January 7, 2026
Raphinha scored a brace, both goals with his left foot
That left foot 😮💨
pic.twitter.com/z1sRvTSL7M— Grace Anthony (@Gracey_Fcb) January 7, 2026
The La Liga leaders have now won nine consecutive matches across all competitions, while Athletic Bilbao, having a challenging season, were thoroughly outplayed.
Last season, Barcelona won La Liga and the Copa del Rey after Flick’s side clinched the Spanish Super Cup, marking the first trophy of the German coach’s tenure. Flick had expressed his intention to use the competition as a springboard for further success.
Raphinha has been in excellent form since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for about two months. Ferran Torres scored the opener after 22 minutes with a bit of luck when Fermin Lopez’s mishit shot fell kindly to him.
Barcelona’s second goal was more impressive, with Raphinha cutting the ball back for Lopez to blast into the top corner, marking the first of three goals in eight minutes.
Swedish winger Roony Bardghji netted the third, aided by Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon, who mishandled the low shot under his own body and into the net.
This incident poses a dilemma for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, as Simon is his number one choice, while Barcelona’s Joan Garcia is making a strong case ahead of the World Cup. However, the Euro 2024-winning manager was absent due to flu.
Raphinha struck Barcelona’s fourth goal into the top left corner after 38 minutes, maintaining the team’s relentless pressure.
Oihan Sancet hit the post with Athletic’s best chance on a disappointing night for the Basque side, who last won the competition in 2021.
Brazilian international Raphinha secured his second goal shortly after the break with a clinical close-range finish, sealing Barcelona’s triumph.
Raphinha commented after the victory, “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.”
“I am always looking to be at my best level, and I will never say I’m at my best,” Raphinha continued. “I will keep striving, aiming to have a season that, if not perfect, is almost perfect, always seeking the best for the team.”
