FC Barcelona

Athletic suffer heavy defeat in Supercopa

The Lions were no match for FC Barcelona, who were already 4-0 up at half-time

Athletic Club couldn't rise to the occasion in Saudi Arabia, losing 5-0 to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals.

A series of first-half mistakes ended the Lions' hopes, as they were overwhelmed by a far superior opponent.

After a promising start for Athletic, which included three consecutive corners and Oihan Sancet testing Joan García, Hansi Flick's team began to unlock the Zurigorri's defence.

Pedri and Fermín threatened first and then Ferrán Torres made it 1-0 when a free-kick delivery found its way to the forward in the box. The Lions protested that there was no foul in the first place, but their complaints fell on deaf ears.

The last 23 minutes of the first half were miserable. Fermín Lopez, Roony Bardghji and Raphinha all scored, whilst Sancet almost netted a consolation effort when he struck the post before half-time.

Raphinha scored Barça's fifth shortly after the restart. Sancet and Unai Gómez, the latter with a very clear chance, both had opportunities to pull one back, but couldn't find the net.

A night to forget in Saudi Arabia. There is nothing left to do but take it on the chin and prepare for next week's Copa match against Cultural Leonesa.