Yamal and Gavi lead Barcelona to 2-0 win over Atheltic Bilbao and into Spanish Tremendous Cup ultimate

Spanish playmaker Olmo was cleared to play once more on a short lived foundation earlier than the sport however the resolution got here too late for him or Pau Victor, in the identical place, to characteristic in opposition to Copa del Rey winners Athletic.

Gavi put Barcelona forward from shut vary after 17 minutes and teenage winger Yamal netted the second early after the break.

Spanish and European champions Actual Madrid face cup runners-up Mallorca on Thursday within the second semi-final in Saudi Arabia, the place the competitors has been held for the previous few years.

“Athletic are a really bodily group that make you run quite a bit, we suffered above all in direction of the tip, however we have been in a position to play properly and we’re very blissful,” Yamal informed Movistar.

The winger mentioned Olmo and Victor have been happy to be allowed to play as soon as extra.

“In the long run you are nervous when you possibly can’t play and once you get information like that, you are very blissful,” added Yamal.

Barca coach Hansi Flick hailed the choice from Spain’s nationwide sports activities council relating to Olmo and Victor.

“The entire membership could be very blissful for this proper resolution,” mentioned Flick, hoping to win his first silverware on the helm of Barca.

“We needed to indicate we’re a group and we win additionally for them.”

Barcelona, who certified as La Liga runners-up, began brightly and Raphinha volleyed over from a positive Jules Kounde cross and compelled Unai Simon into a superb save with a free-kick.

It was no shock when the Catalans broke the impasse with Alejandro Balde reducing the ball again for Gavi, taking part in in Olmo’s attacking midfield position, to show residence for his first purpose since struggling a extreme knee damage final season.

The 20-year-old pointed at an imaginary watch in his celebration, a nod to Olmo who often produces the identical gesture after scoring.

On the different finish Inaki Williams dallied on the ball too lengthy as Athletic’s greatest attacking transfer of the primary half broke down.

Yamal, returning after an ankle downside, ought to have added Barcelona’s second after Raphinha’s shot was saved however the 17-year-old miscued an tried lob.

Wojciech Szczesny, on his second begin in purpose for Barcelona, made a superb save to maintain Inaki Williams at bay earlier than the break.

Sharp Yamal

Barcelona doubled their lead early within the second half when Gavi slipped in Yamal who completed with aplomb.

Veteran Polish ahead Robert Lewandowski spurned a positive likelihood so as to add the third, firing off-target when properly positioned.

Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde, who was sacked as Barcelona boss after a defeat on the similar stadium in 2020, introduced on Nico Williams to try to flip the sport round.

The Spain worldwide, closely linked with Barcelona in the summertime, was not match sufficient to begin, however made a constructive impression from the bench.

The winger arrange Oscar de Marcos to strike however the Athletic defender had strayed simply offside and the purpose was dominated out.

Inaki Williams additionally had a purpose dominated out for offside after Frenkie De Jong’s poor back-pass took a slight deflection off Alvaro Djalo on its method to the Ghana worldwide.

“It is a disgrace given all the trouble… however we’ve got good issues forward of us and we’ve got to proceed,” mentioned Inaki Williams.

Barcelona have been in a position to ebook their place in Sunday’s ultimate, through which Olmo will likely be allowed to characteristic.

“We do not care (who we face within the ultimate), it is going to be exhausting and we need to win it, which is the essential factor, and return residence with the trophy,” mentioned Yamal.