Flick Uncertain Over Lewandowski Future After Barcelona Rout Athletic Club
Barcelona powered into the Spanish Super Cup final with a dominant 5-0 win over Athletic Club, but the night in Jeddah also raised significant questions about Robert Lewandowski’s future after the veteran striker was left out of the starting line up.
The Catalan side delivered one of their most complete performances of the season to dismantle their Basque opponents, yet the absence of Lewandowski from the XI quickly became a major talking point as Hansi Flick opted for rotation in a high profile semi final.
Barcelona’s attacking display proved ruthless without their usual focal point, with Flick’s decision fully justified by the scoreline. Lewandowski, who has led the line since arriving at the club, spent most of the evening watching from the bench as his teammates tore Athletic Club apart.
The result intensifies the conversation around Lewandowski’s long term status, especially with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Flick declined to offer clarity on whether the Polish striker would remain beyond the summer, acknowledging uncertainty while praising the forward’s professionalism and current level.
Barcelona entered the Super Cup looking to reset momentum after an underwhelming league outing against Espanyol, and the response was emphatic. The win books their place in Sunday’s final and stands as one of the club’s most convincing victories of the campaign so far.
Under the lights in Saudi Arabia, Barcelona controlled proceedings from the opening stages. The tempo was sharp, the pressing coordinated, and the movement between the lines caused Athletic Club immediate problems as the Blaugrana established early authority.
Key midfield figures dictated the rhythm, allowing Barcelona to dominate possession and pin their opponents deep. Athletic Club struggled to cope with the fluid attacking rotations and were repeatedly forced into defensive emergencies.
Clear chances followed as Barcelona steadily tightened their grip. The defensive line held firm when required, and the goalkeeper was rarely tested as the team maintained structure and concentration throughout the first half.
The goals arrived in waves, each one further underlining the gap between the two sides on the night. Clinical finishing, quick transitions, and moments of individual quality turned pressure into a decisive advantage before the break.
Barcelona continued with the same intensity after halftime, refusing to ease off despite the comfortable margin. Tactical discipline remained a priority, with Flick’s side focused on controlling space and preventing any route back into the contest.
Late in the match, Barcelona maintained their defensive shape and composure, protecting the clean sheet as carefully as they built the lead. The substitutions preserved energy and ensured the performance stayed sharp until the final whistle.
Beyond the result, Flick also eased concerns over Lamine Yamal, who appeared from the bench late on after managing a minor fitness issue. His involvement added another positive note to an already commanding evening.
Barcelona will now await the outcome of the semi final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to learn their opponent in the final. While attention turns to silverware, uncertainty remains around Lewandowski, whose future could become one of the defining storylines of the months ahead.