So, when they fired their manager Ruben Amorim earlier this month -- without a replacement lined up -- where were they sitting in the table? It must've been 16th, right? Or, maybe 12th? A tiny bit of progress, but not enough progress for the fourth-richest club in the world, right? When Manchester United fired Ruben Amorim, they were tied for fifth place.
FC Barcelona breezed past Athletic Club earlier this week to secure a place in the finals of the 2025/26 Spanish Super Cup, thrashing the Basque club 5-0. The Blaugrana will now face Real Madrid in the title-decider in Jeddah, after Los Blancos huffed and puffed their way to a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the second semifinal on Thursday night. However, the victory came at a significant cost for Xabi Alonso & co. as a number of his players finished the game with physical problems.
The Spanish Super Cup has surely become a familiar territory for Barcelona and Real Madrid. Ever since the competition switched to a four-team format in 2020, the tournament has consistently gravitated towards one outcome - a Clasico final. While the revamped structure was initially designed to add variety and excitement, it has instead highlighted the growing dominance of Spain's two biggest clubs on neutral soil.
Fermin Lopez was one of the stars of the show for FC Barcelona last night as they defeated Athletic Club with ease in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal. The attacking midfielder shone brightly with a goal and two assists as the Catalans hit five goals past the Basque club in the first half. Fermin on performance, Super Cup final Speaking to the official RFEF media after the game, Fermin highlighted how the entire Barcelona team had excelled against Athletic on the night.
This Sunday, Barça will have the chance to end a trend that has stubbornly refused to change: the reigning La Liga champions have never managed to lift the Super Cup under this system. Hansi Flick's side now await their opponent, which will be confirmed later today. The final could once again bring a Clasico showdown against Real Madrid or a clash with Atletico Madrid.
