Raphinha scores for BarcelonaGetty Images

Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona thrashed Athletic Club

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Holders Barcelona thrashed Athletic Club to reach the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.

The 15-time winners scored four goals in 16 minutes to put the game beyond doubt at half-time.

That made Barcelona the first team in history to score four first-half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 22nd minute by finishing from close range, before Fermin Lopez hammered a shot into the top corner.

Roony Bardghji's fierce strike squirmed under the hands of Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simon and Raphinha fired a shot into the roof of the net to give Barcelona an unassailable lead after 38 minutes.

Brazilian Raphinha claimed his second goal to make it 5-0 four minutes after the restart with Simon helpless.

Barcelona comfortably remained in control to make it nine consecutive victories in all competitions and Hansi Flick's side will face either Atletico Madrid or 13-time winners Real Madrid, who meet on Thursday (19:00 GMT).

The final will take place on Sunday in Jeddah after Saudi Arabia and the Spanish Football Federation extended a deal to play the tournament in the country until 2029.

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