The defending champion, Barcelona, easily qualified for the Spanish Super Cup final after defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 on Wednesday evening in Jeddah.
The record holder for most titles in the competition (15) will face the winner between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, who play on Thursday, in the final scheduled for Sunday.
The German coach started the match by keeping his young star Lamine Yamal on the bench before bringing him on in the 72nd minute, but nothing could stop the Catalan giant from achieving a resounding victory at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.
The goals for ‘Blaugrana’ were scored by Ferran Torres (22′), Fermín López (30′), Syrian-born Rony Bardghji (34′), and the Brazilian Raphinha (38′ and 52′).
This victory is the ninth consecutive win for the La Liga champion across all competitions, adding Athletic Bilbao, who are struggling this season, to the list of victims of the Catalan giant.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic Mediterranean port city and the capital of Catalonia, Spain, with origins dating back to a Roman colony in the 1st century BC. It is globally renowned for its unique architecture, most notably the modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí like the Sagrada Família, and its vibrant cultural life centered around landmarks such as the Gothic Quarter.
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain, founded in 1898. It is historically notable for its “cantera” policy, which mandates fielding only players native to or trained in the greater Basque Country region.
Spanish Super Cup
The Spanish Super Cup is an annual football competition contested by the winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Originally a two-team fixture played over two legs in Spain, its format was expanded in 2020 to include four teams and is now frequently hosted in Saudi Arabia as part of a commercial agreement.
Jeddah
Jeddah is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, historically serving as the gateway for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Its historic district, Al-Balad, features traditional coral stone houses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and prestigious clubs, renowned for winning a record number of European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles. The club’s history is deeply intertwined with Spanish culture and its Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a major sporting landmark.
Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1903. Historically known as a club representing the working class, it has established itself as a major force in Spanish and European football, winning numerous domestic and international titles.
King Abdullah Sports City stadium
King Abdullah Sports City stadium, also known as the “Shining Jewel,” is a major sports venue in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2014. It was built as part of a larger initiative to develop the country’s sports infrastructure and is the home stadium for the Saudi national football team. The arena has hosted major events like the Italian Super Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
La Liga
La Liga is the top professional football division in Spain, founded in 1929. It is one of the world’s most prestigious football leagues, historically dominated by clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
