Jul 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; FC Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez Martin (29) scores a goal during the second half against Real Madrid at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Barcelona Dominates The Semi-Final Of Supercopa De España

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Stefania Zajdel | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 8:52 AM ET

FC Barcelona won their first match of the year, then returned to the field. This time, they were playing the semi-final of the Supercopa de España against Athletic Club. What started as an even game quickly devolved into Barcelona’s absolute domination.

The Ruthless Blaugrana

The Athletic Club started the match strongly, pressing Barcelona and managing to get three corners within its first three minutes. The Athletic Club’s determination, as apparent as it may have been, wasn’t enough to save them from their hungry opponents. The opening goal came 22 minutes after the first whistle. After a beautiful assist from Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres put the ball in Unai Simón’s net.

Encouraged by moving into the lead, Barcelona continued its parade. Half an hour into the game, Fermin managed yet another great action. He received the ball from Raphinha and then sent it straight into the Athletic Club’s goal. That still wasn’t enough for Fermin. Only four minutes later, he noted his second assist of the evening after passing the ball to Roony Bardghji.

The final nail in the coffin of the Athletic Club’s terrible first half came in the 38th minute. It was then that Raphinha, having run through almost the whole length of the field, scored his team’s fourth goal. The Athletic Club tried to at least partially make up the difference, but was unable to do so before the break.

The Parade Continues

Although the Athletic Club’s fans hoped that Barcelona might let their team breathe in the second half, their wishes fell on deaf ears. After a chaotic situation under Simón’s goal, Raphinha found himself free from the opposing team’s players. Before long, the score went up to 5-0. Once again, the Athletic Club tried to turn the tide in their favor, but they could never get past Blaugrana’s defense.

Jul 19, 2022; Miami, FL, USA; FC Barcelona players celebrate after a goal by FC Barcelona forward Raphinha during the first half against Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The intensity of the game decreased in the last quarter. The Athletic Club lost the belief in a better score, and Barcelona had already secured an incredibly impressive result. The final score, a painful 5-0, was the perfect representation of the match.

End Of My Barcelona Rant

The match went about as well as it could for Blaugrana. They dominated the game from start to finish, never resting on their laurels and always fighting for more. With that, they secured a spot in the finale of the competition, which they will play in just a few short days. Their opponents will be determined in tomorrow’s game between the two biggest teams from Madrid.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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