Young superstars Gavi and Lamine Yamal put on a show in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as they scored a goal each to secure a 2-0 victory for Barcelona against Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal. The team was unable to field Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo and Pau Victor due to delayed clearance, but it did not stop the young guns from shining on the field. This win takes Barcelona one step closer to lifting the trophy and adds to their impressive run of form under new manager Xavi Hernandez.
Young Superstars Shine as Barcelona Advances in Spanish Super Cup
In a thrilling encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, young superstars Gavi and Lamine Yamal delivered stunning performances to lead Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
Match Summary
Despite the absence of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor due to delayed clearance, Barcelona's youthful talents stepped up to the occasion. Gavi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a precise shot from outside the box. Lamine Yamal doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, showcasing his dribbling skills and clinical finishing. Athletic Club fought valiantly but were unable to find a way past Barcelona's resolute defense.
Background
The Spanish Super Cup is an annual football competition contested between the winners of the previous season's La Liga and Copa del Rey. This year's edition was held in Saudi Arabia from January 11-15. Barcelona had reached the semifinals after defeating Real Betis in the quarterfinals.
Significance of the Win
This victory takes Barcelona one step closer to lifting the Spanish Super Cup trophy for the 14th time. It also continues their impressive run of form under new manager Xavi Hernandez, who has guided the team to eight consecutive victories in all competitions.
FAQs
1. Who is Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal is a 17-year-old midfielder who joined Barcelona's youth academy in 2020. He has quickly risen through the ranks and made his first-team debut in January 2023.
2. What is Gavi's full name?
Gavi's full name is Pablo Martín Páez Gavira. He is a 17-year-old midfielder who is considered one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football.
3. Why were Olmo and Victor not cleared to play?
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor were not cleared to play due to a delay in their registration with the Spanish Football Federation. The issue was reportedly resolved before the final against Real Madrid.
4. Who will Barcelona face in the final?
Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on January 15.
5. What is Xavi's record as Barcelona manager?
As of January 12, 2023, Xavi has managed Barcelona in 26 games, winning 18, drawing 5, and losing 3.
The New York Knicks were interested in Deandre Ayton before he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and reportedly received strong reviews about his leadership and fit with star center Karl-Anthony Towns from Portland. Despite Ayton's issues, the Blazers spoke highly of him and did not discredit him when speaking to other organizations. In the end, Ayton joined the Lakers with hopes of helping the team return to the playoffs. The Knicks signed power forward Guerschon Yabusele instead.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the family of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother. Jota, a fan favourite known for his tireless work ethic and crucial goals, had played an instrumental role in Liverpool's Premier League title run. As tributes pour in from across the footballing world, Slot and Liverpool have vowed to keep Jota's memory alive.
The football world was left in shock and mourning after the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, in a car crash while on holiday in Spain. The 28-year-old forward, who also played for Portugal and various club teams, was remembered by his former teammates and colleagues, including Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, and fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. The football community offers their condolences to the Jota family and hopes for peace for their loved ones in this difficult time.
In a devastating blow to the sporting world, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain. Jota, who was only 28 years old, and Silva, who was 25, were involved in the accident while trying to overtake another car on a highway near the Portuguese border. The news of Jota's death has not only sent shockwaves through the football community, but also touched the hearts of athletes from other sports, such as 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who expressed his condolences for the young player and his family.
After a thrilling match at Wimbledon, Marin Cilic emerged victorious over Jack Draper, booking his spot in the third round. The former US Open champion showed off his impressive serving skills, firing 16 aces against the Briton. In his on-court interview, Cilic expressed his emotions and credited his team for their support throughout his long and dedicated career. With this win, he also made history by becoming the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five opponent at Wimbledon, surpassing big names like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
World champion Magnus Carlsen has raised doubts about reigning champion Gukesh's performance in shorter time control formats, ahead of their first face-off since the infamous table smashing incident in Norway Chess. However, Gukesh has started strong in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia, leading the 10-player field along with Carlsen himself. The event will see players compete in rapid and blitz formats, where Gukesh has struggled in the past. With tough competition in the field, including Gukesh's compatriot Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen will have to prove himself against Gukesh in rapid and blitz games.
Harry Brook, the white-ball captain of England, has revealed his reasons for opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his desire to participate in the tournament in the future. Despite being bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 6.25 crore, Brook chose to prioritize his duties to the national team, violating BCCI's new rule. However, he remains hopeful of playing in the IPL after his two-year suspension. In the ongoing series against India, Brook impressed with 99 runs in the first test and also praised Indian player Rishabh Pant.
Shubman Gill, the captain of Team India, made an impressive performance on day 2 of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston, becoming the Indian captain with the highest test score by scoring 269 runs. India's new number four batsman proved to be a major problem for England's bowling attack. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Akash Deep made a comeback after giving 11 runs in the first over, picking up two wickets in two balls in the third over of England's innings, putting pressure on the opposition's top order.
In the second Test match between India and England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill dominated the field with an incredible 269 off 387 deliveries, setting the record for the highest individual score by an Indian player against England. His performance helped India reach a massive total of 587 all out. Later, India's pace attack dismantled England's top order, with Akash Deep taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries. Gill's outstanding performance not only made him the first Asian skipper to score a double century on English soil, but also raised his average to 40 in just three innings in England.
After defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen in classical chess a few weeks back, Indian teenager Gukesh has now done it again in rapid chess at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. Carlsen, playing with white pieces and in a supposedly weaker format for Gukesh, resigned in the 49th move with a muted reaction. Gukesh, on the other hand, has been on a streak of victories against some of the strongest players in the tournament, proving his skills and causing former world champion Garry Kasparov to question Carlsen's domination.