Barcelona started brightly against Athletic Bilbao, pressing high and creating early danger through quick, incisive passing. Raphinha came close twice in the opening 10 minutes, signaling the Blaugrana’s intent. Their dominance paid off 17 minutes in when a brilliant passing sequence down the left led to Alejandro Balde assisting Gavi, who finished superbly to put Barça ahead.
Barcelona nearly doubled their lead soon after when Lamine Yamal dispossessed Bilbao high up the pitch and set up Raphinha for a one-on-one, but Unai Simón made a vital save. Despite their strong start, Barça gradually lost momentum, allowing Athletic to grow into the game. The Basques threatened with dangerous crosses and wing play, and Iñaki Williams came close to equalizing before halftime, but Wojciech Szczesny and Barça’s defense held firm to preserve their narrow lead.
The second half began with Barcelona restoring control. Just eight minutes in, Iñigo MartÃnez won the ball in midfield, and Gavi’s perfect through ball found Lamine Yamal, who calmly slotted past Simón to double the lead.
Athletic, with nothing to lose, pushed forward as Ernesto Valverde made attacking substitutions. Despite their efforts, Szczesny faced little trouble, only needing to make a few routine saves. The final minutes, however, turned chaotic as Bilbao appeared to score twice. Óscar de Marcos and Iñaki Williams both found the net, but both goals were ruled out for offside, crushing their hopes of a comeback.
The final whistle secured Barça’s spot in the title game, where they will face either Mallorca or Real Madrid in pursuit of their first trophy of the season.
