Raphinha explodes as Barcelona demolishes Athletic Bilbao

Raphinha scored two stunning goals, helping Barcelona overwhelm Athletic Club 5-0 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, continuing their unbeaten run and proudly moving on to the final.

Raphinha’s dazzling brace secured a commanding 5-0 victory for Barcelona over Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, held at King Abdullah Sport City (Saudi Arabia). This result not only sent Barca directly to the final but also marked the Catalan club’s ninth consecutive win across all competitions.

Athletic Club started with strong determination, earning three consecutive corners within the first three minutes, clearly aiming to apply early pressure. However, it was Barcelona who created the first dangerous chance through a smooth combination finished by Pedri’s shot on target. Shortly after, Fermín López faced goalkeeper Unai Simón but missed a key opportunity as Barca gradually took control of the game.

Still, the early advantage came to Barcelona. Assisted by Fermín, Ferran Torres skillfully shot the ball bouncing past Simón’s reach to open the scoring for the red-and-blue striped team. Athletic’s pressing intensity dropped, and by the 30th minute, Raphinha delivered a precise cross for Fermín López to finish with his left foot, doubling the lead.

The game was practically decided just three minutes later. Roony Bardghji got past Adama Boiro before shooting, causing goalkeeper Simón to fumble and let the ball slip into the net. Before Athletic could recover, Raphinha ended the first half with a spectacular long-range strike that hit the top corner, leaving the opponents stunned.

In the second half, Barcelona did not relent. After several unsuccessful clearances by Athletic, Raphinha completed his brace with a decisive finish, increasing the score to 5-0 with 40 minutes remaining. Athletic’s late efforts were merely symbolic, as shots from Mikel Jauregizar and Unai Gómez failed to beat goalkeeper Joan García.

This emphatic win further confirms Barcelona’s impressive form, having scored in all 11 Super Cup matches under the current format and achieving two or more goals in nine of those games. In stark contrast, Athletic Club has won only one of their last six matches, sinking deeper into a disappointing streak.