The returning teenager and his fellow La Masia graduate stole the spotlight as Barcelona secured a spot in the Supercopa de España final. Gavi and Lamine Yamal guided Hansi Flick’s side to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The 20-year-old midfielder scored one goal and set up another for the 17-year-old, rescuing Barca from the wastefulness of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Barcelona started brightly and caused early problems for their Basque opponents. They should have taken the lead when Raphinha connected with a pinpoint Jules Koundé cross, only to send his ambitious effort over the bar.
Despite his missed opportunity, Raphinha played a key role in the opening goal. Winning possession in midfield, he initiated a move that culminated with Alejandro Balde delivering a precise low cross for Gavi, who fired it into the net with a composed finish.
Athletic Club occasionally tested Barca’s sturdy defense, but Wojciech Szczesny’s quick reflexes kept them at bay. Meanwhile, Raphinha and Yamal squandered chances to extend the lead.
Yamal, returning from injury, made his mark early in the second half. The teenager controlled a clever pass from Gavi, broke through against Unai Simón, and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to double Barcelona's lead.
Ernesto Valverde's team thought they had clawed their way back into the game on two occasions, but both goals were ruled out for offside. With the victory, Barcelona advance to the final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Mallorca, who contest the second semi-final on Thursday.
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