FC Barcelona beat Osasuna to join Real Madrid in the final
FC Barcelona masters Osasuna (2-0) and will thus face Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Supercup later this week. After the spectacular Madrid derby won by Real on Wednesday after 120 minutes (5-3), the reigning La Liga champions Barcelona and Osasuna, the finalist of the last Copa del Rey, clashed in the other semifinal of the Spanish Supercup in Riyadh. It was an opportunity for Xavi’s squad to set up a Clasico final and hope to secure their first trophy of the season.
The first half was dominated by the Blaugranas, not only in terms of possession but also in chances, with Robert Lewandowski initially thwarted by Sergio Herrera (13th). However, the team from Pamplona did not back down and came close to surprising the white-clad men through Ante Budimir, who bypassed Ronald Araujo but met a determined Iñaki Peña (39th).
In the second half, Barcelona, deprived of Raphinha who had been forced off due to injury in the first period, finally managed to break through in the danger zone thanks to Lewandowski. He was well found by Ilkay Gundogan and clinically finished past the opposing goalkeeper, finding the bottom right corner of the net (1-0, 59th minute). This revitalized the Polish striker, marking his second goal in as many matches in 2024. Barcelona continued to apply pressure on the red defense to extend their lead, but Herrera was alert and denied João Félix’s curled attempt (68th minute).
In the closing moments of the match, Jagoba Arrasate’s charges pushed their opponents back into their own defensive third in an attempt to force extra time. However, their efforts were in vain. Following a dazzling performance by Félix in the opposing half, the Portuguese player set up Lamine Yamal in the penalty area, who managed to beat Herrera, whose grip on the ball was not strong enough to deflect it (2-0, 90+3rd minute). The final score: 2-0. Barcelona secured qualification for the final and will face their Madrid rivals this Sunday evening (8:00 PM).
