MATCH REPORT | FC Barcelona reach the final in Riyadh and look to defend their title (2-0)

Experience triumphed over hope on Thursday, with the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup proving decisive.

FC Barcelona, who have won the competition fourteen times, overcame tournament newcomers CA Osasuna in an evenly contested and entertaining semi-final that was settled by two goals in the second half.

From the starting whistle there was an exciting exchange of attacking intent from both teams, with Sergio Herrera pulling off a string of good saves in the Osasuna goal. While the Bulkan player, Ante Budimir, carried the main threat to the Barcelona goal and led the line well for Osasuna.

In the first half, Ferran Torres came close to putting FC Barcelona ahead, but to no avail. Later on in the half, Lamine Yamal, who would later prove decisive, came on shortly before the break to replace the injured Raphinha.

Frenkie de Jong, impeccable on the ball at the heart of the Catalan's mildfield throughout tha game, was voted Player of the Match

Despite Barcelona getting a foothold in the match and seeing the lion’s share of possession, their goals game on the break thanks to quick transitions and an effective high press from Xavi Hernandez's team.

With nearly an hour of the game played, Christensen pushed up well to rob the ball back for Barcelona and play the ball to Gúndogan in midfield. The German then got his head up and slotted a tidy ball into the channel for Robert Lewandowski, who made no mistake inside the area to put his team into the lead in the match.

The goal gave the reigning champions what they needed to start playing with a bit more freedom and style, Pedri’s introduction was also a big factor in this improvement. Along with the young Spanish midfield star of the Barcelona team, who was returning from injury, an inspired cameo appearance from Joao Felix and Frenkie de Jong, who did not put a foot wrong all evening, all combined to provide some moments of scintillating passing play.

In extra time, the Portuguese player Felix went on a mazy run down the left to set up Lamine Yamal to finish well in what was the second and final goal, making him the youngest ever scorer in the Spanish Super Cup.

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the two teams with the most Super Cup titles in history, will go head to head for the trophy in Riyadh on Sunday in what is a mouthwatering clash of the two titans of Spanish football. Both teams will be looking to secure their first silverware of the year, while the whole world of football watches on in excitement.

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