Real Betis 2 (2)-(4) 2 Barcelona: Player Ratings

Over the last few years, Barcelona have consistently had the chance to add to their trophy cabinet with the Spanish Super Cup, but have failed to do so. They have not won a single edition of the tournament since it was altered to a four-team structure in 2020.

Last year, they went out to Real Madrid in the semis, but have a chance to take revenge this year after beating Real Betis in the semi-finals.

A first-half goal from Robert Lewandowski helped break the deadlock after a rather engaging game where the goalkeepers of both teams came out on top.

Real Betis managed to equalise in the 77th minute through Nabil Fekir, and the rest of the game was fairly evenly split.

Ansu Fati’s superb volley almost sealed the win for Barcelona before Loren Moron’s backheel rescued Betis once again. The game eventually went to penalties, where Marc-Andre ter Stegen made two beautiful saves to send the Catalans into the final.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 9.5

By far and large the best player on the pitch in the first half, making three crucial saves, including a reflex stop right at the end of the first-half. Had a moment or two of poor concentration, but kept the team in the game.

Saved Barcelona in the penalty shoot-out with two heroic saves.

Sergi Roberto: 6.5

Tidy in possession as ever, but nothing spectacular to write home about, except a far post clearance.

Ronald Araujo: 7.5

Araujo looked solid and comfortable on the ball, often carrying it into the midfield to clear markers off the midfielders. Made a brilliant last-man tackle on Nabil Fekir, in an open-goal scenario.

Jules Kounde: 7

Stepped out of his position to successfully defend in midfield, but unfortunately, the highlight of his game was the poor pass to ter Stegen that created a chance for Fekir. A solid second-half, though.

Jordi Alba: 6

Brings a kilo of creativity that Balde clearly lacks, and proved it again today with some brilliant line-breaking passes. Had a ton of trouble dealing with Luiz Henrique, though, including the assist he registered for

Gavi: 7

Gavi was not his ruthless best out of possession, but did well to create multiple third-man runs into the box. Also heavily involved with the ball, as one would expect.

Frenkie de Jong: 7

Had some trouble dealing with Nabil Fekir in the first-half with the Frenchman exploiting the space he left behind. A much better second half, though, but it only lasted 15 minutes as he was replaced for Sergio Busquets.

Pedri: 8

Brilliant as ever in possession, constantly breaking lines. Almost scored the opener but it was ruled out because of offside. Helped slow down the tempo in the second half.

Raphinha: 7

Started well, and then sort of faded away as the game went on. Created a chance or two for Lewandowski, who did not pull the trigger in time.

Robert Lewandowski: 7

Strangely enough, Lewandowski looked blunt in front of goal today, failing to even shoot on multiple occasions. He did score the opening goal, but could have had a hattrick on another day. Scored his penalty in the shootout.

Ousmane Dembele: 7.5

Created some very good chances for Lewandowski, including the opener, and like Raphinha, could have had another assist or two.

SUBSTITUTES

Ferran Torres: 6

Clumsy in possession. Did not help the team defensively, either and was completely sold by Henrique in the first goal.

Sergio Busquets: 6.5

Did alright to maintain possession and hold the tempo in midfield.

Andreas Christensen: 6

Brought on immediately after Betis’ first equaliser, and did not do anything wrong for the second one.

Marcos Alonso: 4

At blame for the second goal as he failed to mark Henrique properly. Put in some decent crosses, though.

Ansu Fati: 7.5

Fati looked a polar opposite to his performance against Atletico Madrid. Scored a brilliant volley to equalise for Barcelona, and created a lot more danger after that, too. Scored an impressive penalty in the shoot-out, too.

Franck Kessie: 7

Solid cameo from Kessie tonight, who added a ton of physicality in midfield, and made some impressive third-man runs, too. Also scored from the spot in the shoot-out.