Barça wins and Athletic confirms it: Flick's no. 9 will be one of Pep Guardiola's castoffs

FC Barcelona has overcome Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal with much more ease than expected. The match was very much on track from the first goal scored by the Catalans, the work of Ferran Torres, who opened the scoring with composure and determination. From that moment on, the match took on a single color, because the Bilbao team did not find answers to the Barça superiority.

The match report can be explained through Barça's overwhelming dominance in almost every facet of the game. The Catalan team has imposed a very high tempo from the start, with quick circulation and counter-pressing after losing the ball that has suffocated Athletic. In addition, the intensity has been accompanied by great effectiveness, and every arrival in the opposing box conveyed a sense of real danger.

Flick's team has shown a very recognizable identity. The compact lines, the constant movement of the wingers, and the freedom of the midfielders have created overloads in every area of the field. The result has been a Barça team that is deep, aggressive, and with an unquestionable determination to seal passage to the final by the fast track.

In general terms, it could be said that Raphinha has been the MVP of the match because of his permanent impact in attack and his goals. The Brazilian has dribbled past opponents and created advantages continuously, being a constant headache for the opposing defenders. However, the footballer who comes out of the clash most strengthened is Ferran Torres.

Barça win and Athletic confirm it: Flick's "9" will be a discard from Pep Guardiola

Ferran Torres has once again played as a "9" and has made it clear that he is more than ready to take over from Robert Lewandowski. His movements between the lines, his aggressiveness in his runs, and his intelligence in offering support have been decisive. In addition, he has scored the most important goal of the match, the first one, the one that has broken the deadlock and has kicked off the great FC Barcelona celebration.

It should be remembered that, at the time, Ferran Torres was one of Guardiola's first discards when the Catalan coach adjusted Manchester City's project to his soccer philosophy. FC Barcelona paid 50 million euros for his transfer, an amount that was questioned at the time and labeled as high by a large part of public opinion. Today, that price appears fully justified in view of his performance and his impact in big matches.

His evolution is unquestionable. Ferran Torres has gained confidence, maturity, and effectiveness in the final third, translating it into numbers that support his growth. This season he already has 14 goals, showing that he is ready to be Flick's starting "9".

The German coach himself sees Ferran Torres as an adaptable, hard-working footballer with great room for improvement. His ability to take responsibility in decisive moments fits with the demands that the club and the fans make. Today's victory against Athletic, beyond reaching the final, confirms that Barça already has an heir for the position of the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.