Barcelona booked their place in the Supercopa de España final with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Athletic Club, and it was Dani Olmo who stole the show. Cleared to play just hours before kickoff after a court injunction, Olmo delivered a decisive performance, scoring the winning penalty and assisting the opening goal.
The semi-final clash at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh saw Barcelona dominate possession in the early stages. Dani Olmo, instrumental in midfield, dictated play alongside Gavi and Pedri. As reported by Marca, Olmo’s creativity came to the fore in the 27th minute when he provided a sublime cross for 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. The teenage sensation calmly slotted the ball past Unai Simón to give Barcelona a deserved 1-0 lead.
Athletic Club, known for their physical style and counter-attacking ability, began to grow into the game after the break. In the 62nd minute, their perseverance paid off when Iñaki Williams scored a stunning equalizer, exploiting a defensive lapse by Barcelona. The goal sparked a spirited response from the Basque side, who pressed high and created more opportunities.
However, Barcelona reclaimed control in the 75th minute when Gavi was fouled in the penalty area by Athletic defender Yeray Álvarez. As reported by Barron’s, Olmo stepped up to take the penalty and displayed nerves of steel, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore Barcelona’s lead.
The final minutes saw Athletic Club push hard for an equalizer, but Barcelona’s defense, led by Ronald Araújo and Marc-André ter Stegen, held firm. Ter Stegen made a crucial save in injury time to deny Alex Berenguer, ensuring Barcelona’s progression to the final.
Dani Olmo’s performance was widely praised, with head coach Xavi Hernández calling him “pivotal” to Barcelona’s victory. “Dani is a leader on and off the pitch,” Xavi said in his post-match interview with Mundo Deportivo. “His vision, composure, and ability to step up in critical moments made all the difference.”
The win also showcased the immense potential of Lamine Yamal, whose maturity and confidence belie his young age. Yamal’s goal was a testament to his growing stature in the team, and fans are already touting him as the next big star in European football.
Barcelona will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The possibility of an El Clásico final has fans buzzing with anticipation, and the Catalan side will look to carry their momentum into the showdown.
For Athletic Club, the defeat marks the end of their Supercopa journey, but their spirited performance highlighted their progress under Ernesto Valverde. Despite the loss, Valverde praised his team’s effort and resilience, saying, “We gave everything against one of Europe’s best teams.”
As Barcelona gears up for the final, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly be key players to watch. With their blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Barcelona is well-positioned to challenge for the title and bring home the trophy.