BREAKING NEWS: Following the exciting win against Bilbao and earning a spot in the Super Cup final, Hansi Flick has been full of praise for the Catalan pair, stating: “The team wouldn’t have triumphed tonight without you!”

Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, earning a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. The Catalan side entered the match buoyed by the Supreme Sports Council’s resolution of the contract registration issues involving Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, enabling their provisional registration.

With this win, Barcelona advances to face the winner of the Real Madrid vs. Real Mallorca semi-final.

According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, German coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the victory and credited the team’s success to standout performances from Lamine Yamal and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

Flick emphasized their critical contributions, stating, “Without you, the team wouldn’t have won tonight.” Their brilliance throughout the game ensured Barcelona’s progression to the final.

Despite the victory, Flick voiced frustration over the underwhelming performance of forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who squandered numerous clear opportunities. Their inability to convert chances prevented a more decisive scoreline. Flick cautioned the duo to improve their form, particularly with a potential clash against Real Madrid in the final.

In an unexpected move, Barcelona president Joan Laporta visited the locker room post-match to congratulate Yamal, encouraging him to continue his development and help secure the Super Cup title for the fans. However, Laporta also addressed the poor performances of certain players, expressing concern to Flick about relying on them in the final.

Laporta highlighted three players whose performances raised alarms: Lewandowski, whose form has been lackluster; Jules Koundé, who struggled defensively at right-back; and Frenkie de Jong, whose error nearly led to a costly goal but was ultimately nullified by VAR.

The president warned against these weaknesses, urging the coach to take decisive action to maintain Barcelona’s title hopes.

Despite the challenges, the win reflected the team’s resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling final as Barcelona eyes the Spanish Super Cup crown.