RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, January 13 (Reuters) – Marc-Andre Ter Stegen saved two penalty kicks to help Barcelona defeat Real Betis 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on Thursday, establishing a Clasico Spanish Super Cup final.
After defeating Valencia on penalties on Wednesday, the Catalans will encounter their biggest rivals Real Madrid on Sunday. After an entertaining 120-minute draw at Riyadh’s King Fahd Stadium, Barcelona needed penalty kicks to defeat Betis.
After 40 minutes, Robert Lewandowski placed Barcelona ahead, but Nabil Fekir of Betis equalized with 13 minutes remaining. Ansu Fati scored a fine long-range shot to put Barcelona abreast in extra time, but Loren Moron equalized with a clever backheel flick.
Ter Stegen stopped Juanmi and William Carvalho in the shootout, and Pedri scored the game-winning penalty. Xavi and his team are desperate for silverware after having finished last season without a single title and making significant investments in the summer despite the club’s debts.
Although trying to win the Super Cup will not be enough, it will be a move in the right direction and Xavi’s first trophy since joining the club in November 2021.