"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. 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."
"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."
"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."
The Spanish Super Cup relocation to Saudi Arabia mid-season has made the competition an inconvenient fixture, though it still offers a trophy. Barcelona routed Athletic Club to reach the final, maintaining control even when the scoreline was emphatic. Pedri exemplified simple football by consistently finding space, picking the right passes and dominating the first half without scoring. Hansi Flick's selections, notably Fermin and Roony Bardghji, paid dividends; Roony gained valuable confidence-boosting minutes while Fermin is pushing toward an unavoidable starting role. The performance underlined Barca's clear superiority throughout the match.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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