Barca

The Spanish Super Cup, played more than six thousand kilometres away from the country that gives its name to the competition, saw the second semi-final of ...

Real Madrid need the title to boost their morale after losing their lustre. A title that Real Madrid lifted last year and barely celebrated to the surprise of a newcomer Camavinga who was surprised that the title was not celebrated. The second goal was a masterpiece by Ansu Fati. Pellegrini's Betis have no qualms about getting into their opponents' box and playing the ball to look for space without getting nervous. Fekir, Luiz Henrique and Carvalho have an unusually high tempo in teams like these to look for space. Betis worked that goal for many minutes, although Barça could have made it 2-0, but VAR's automatic offside disallowed the Polish striker's goal.

Xavi is, of course, eyeing his first trophy as Barcelona boss. The Super Cup clearly isn't top of his priorities but he made it clear in his press conference ...

It deserved to win the game, and it very nearly did, but at the very least it offered a welcome reminder that Barca’s No. Xavi said afterwards both players had a little discomfort but is hopeful they can play the final. On came Ferran Torres and Sergio Busquets but neither player really shone. Barca haven’t lost a game when Lewandowski has scored and will be hoping he can find the net against Madrid. The striker scored once, had another chalked off, and ensured a recent “mini-dought” (of a whole THREE games without a goal) is over. Or does Xavi prefer Fati as a supersub? Might Fati now be in contention to start against Real Madrid? Lewandowski now has 19 goals from 21 games and four assists for Barcelona since signing in the summer. He’s been much better since coming back from the World Cup,” he said. Make no mistake that Ter Stegen was key to this win, and a big reason why Barca have only conceded six league goals this season, which is fantastic news. What Barcelona do need are players who can finish and kill games off they have dominated. Xavi is, of course, eyeing his first trophy as Barcelona boss.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved twice from the spot to help Barcelona beat Real Betis 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on Thursday, setting up a Clasico ...

Barcelona needed spot-kicks to see off Betis after an entertaining draw over 120 minutes at Riyadh's King Fahd Stadium. Ansu Fati smashed in a fine volley to put Barcelona ahead in extra-time but Loren Moron pulled Betis back level with a cunning backheel flick. Robert Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead after 40 minutes but Betis playmaker Nabil Fekir levelled with 13 minutes remaining.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): FC Barcelona will play arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday after beating Real Betis on penalties.

After the break, Betis took control of midfield, despite Sergio Busquets coming on to make his 700th appearance. Robert Lewandowski put Barca ahead in the 40th minute after Pedri had set Ousmane Dembele clear down the left. The goal woke Betis up and they began to create better chances, with Sergio Canales’ shot from outside the area deflected out for a corner.

RIYADH: Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved Juanmi's and William Carvalho's poorly-struck spot kicks to give Barcelona a...

Fati scored and Ter Stegen produced another save to foil Carvalho, with Pedri converting the next spot-kick to seal Barcelona’s progress. Ansu Fati put Barcelona back in front, finishing off a stunning move from just inside the area, but Betis fought back again and equalised thanks to another fine effort from Luiz Henrique, whose cross was brilliantly finished by substitute Loren Moron with a heel-kick from just inside the six-yard-box. After two outstanding reflex saves by Ter Stegen blocked Luiz Henrique and Rodri’s bullet-like shots, Ousmane Dembele burst forward in a fine individual effort before he passed the ball to Lewandowski, who beat goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from close range to score the opener.