The Spanish Super Cup has always been something of an acquired taste for fans of LaLiga clubs that have been able to contest the showpiece. Much more so since it moved to Saudi Arabia in mid-season.
This edition clearly irked Athletic’s Inaki Williams before a ball was kicked, too.
At least when it was played at the start of a campaign, it was useful as another pre-season run-out if nothing else.
Now, it’s quite the inconvenience, though it does offer the chance of another trophy, so perhaps there is cachet in having it in the cabinet.
In the sweltering heat of the Middle East, the Blaugranes had the chance to book their place in the final against either Real or Atletico Madrid, so let’s take a look at three talking points as Flick’s side romped to victory.
The simplistic genius of Pedri
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Getty Images
What was it that Johan Cruyff once said? “Playing football is very simple, but playing simple football is the hardest thing there is.”
Simple football is exactly what Pedri is all about, and he just makes it look so, so easy, and not in a lazy sense either.
The way he glides across the pitch, leaving opponents in his wake. Always finding space, always picking the right pass and, more often than not, delivering.
His first-half performance in particular against Athletic Club can’t be overlooked, even if he didn’t add his name to the scoresheet.
He’s just a gem.
The right selection from Hansi Flick
Sometimes you just have to give credit to the coach for his selection, and this was one of those games where Hansi Flick got it spot on.
With one eye, perhaps presumptuously, on the final, the choices of Fermin and Roony Bardghji were wise, and how it paid off!
The futures of both players are interesting, too.
Roony is still a little green at this level, but the minutes will only be of benefit in terms of boosting his confidence.
Fermin is getting to the level where he can’t really be ignored as a starter, and that’s a great ‘problem’ for Flick to have.
No let-up from a team full of confidence
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Even at 5-0, it was Barca and not Athletic that were on the front foot.
Taking the view that the game was already well beyond the Basques shouldn’t detract from the fact that the Catalans didn’t take their foot off the pedal.
It would’ve been easy to sit back, relax and ease their way into the final, but the entire team showed their willingness, desire and hunger, and that has to be good news for all concerned.
More of the same in the final please…