2024-01-11 21:38:02
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — To the tune of goals from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-0 on Thursday and secured a repeat of the Super Cup final once morest Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
Lewandowski and Yamal scored in the second half for the Catalan club, which won the title last year to win its first title under coach Xavi Hernández and without Lionel Messi.
The Blaugranas advanced to Sunday’s duel without a spectacular game and with a certain share of suffering.
Madrid qualified following beating neighbor Atlético de Madrid 5-3 on Wednesday.
“We played a serious game. The first half was not so good but the second half was better,” commented Barça midfielder Frenkie de Jong. “A final with Madrid is very nice.”
Barcelona qualified for this Super Cup following becoming champion of the Spanish League last season. Osasuna competed following reaching the final of last season’s Copa del Rey, when they lost to Madrid.
In last year’s final, Barça beat Madrid 3-1 and another consecration would be a blessing in the midst of questions over a succession of weak games. Xavi Hernández’s team is seven points behind Madrid and Girona, co-leaders of the League at the midpoint of the season.
“We have to improve, we are improving,” De Jong said. “It is a fairly new team, with many changes and you always need time to get used to your teammates. Also many injuries and we are in this process.”
The Blaugranas dominated at the beginning, but clear scoring opportunities were scarce for both teams in the first half. Barça maintained the initiative following the break and opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a low shot from Lewandowski following Ilkay Gündogan’s pass. Yamal sealed the victory with a shot inside the area in stoppage time following a good gallop by João Félix.
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