#barcelona

#barcelona

The final score could easily have been even more damaging for Athletic Club. After Raphinha struck for the second time to make it 5-0, Barcelona visibly eased off. Several Barça players, many of whom share a dressing room with Unai Simon in the Spanish national team, chose not to push further and avoided turning the semifinal into a humiliation. That sense of control defined the entire match, with Flick's side dictating the tempo from the opening whistle to the final minute.

Barcelona are safely through to the final of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup thanks to a dominant 5-0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday's semi-final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Barça were in full control from start to finish and sealed the victory thanks to a spectacular first half in which they scored four goals and destroyed a helpless Athletic side, and the Blaugrana cruised in the final period

The return of Dani Olmo could not have come at a better time for Barcelona. After a difficult month on the sidelines, the former RB Leipzig man marked his comeback in style by scoring against Espanyol last weekend. That goal did more than just help the team on the night, it reintroduced Olmo into the conversation ahead of the Spanish Super Cup.

Indeed, according to SPORT, Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has entered Barcelona's orbit. The German midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and has no intention of renewing with the Bavarian giants. And, at the request of manager Hansi Flick, Barça are monitoring his situation. Moreover, the midfielder himself would prioritise signing for the Blaugrana in order to reunite with his former coach, with whom he enjoys a very good personal relationship.

Starting with Barcelona, making real history last season as they reclaimed their La Liga crown, the Spanish giants have embarked on a real fairytale since Hansi Flick's arrival in Catalonia. Last seen getting the New Year underway with a late 2-0 victory away at bitter local rivals Espanyol, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the continent.

Barcelona's January transfer window has often been a mix of urgency, risk and opportunity. Unlike summer signings, winter arrivals are usually expected to deliver instantly, with little time to adapt. Over the years, this approach has produced very different outcomes at Camp Nou. Some January signings have changed seasons and lifted the mood around the club, while others have quietly faded away, leaving fans wondering what the plan really was.