For nearly two years, Barcelona's young players, led by teen sensation Gavi, were at the center of the club's first trophy as they defeated Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
In their 3-1 victory on Sunday, Gavi, 18, notched two more goals, one of which was scored by Pedri, 20, while Ronald Araujo, a defender, shackled Vinicius Junior and Alejandro Balde excelled on the opposite flank.
After wild celebrations on the field in Saudi Arabia, Araujo shouted, "A new era has started," as he ran back to the dressing room with his medal.
After winning their first trophy in the 21st century without Lionel Messi, Barcelona's fervent hope is that the club will get off to a fresh start.
After spending his entire career at Barca, the Argentine icon's departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 shocked the football world.
The Catalans went on a spending spree in the summer, financed, among other ways, by mortgaging a portion of their future television income.
They acquired Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, among others, who also scored against Madrid in the Super Cup victory in Saudi Arabia.
With only a few seasoned veterans remaining, the Barcelona team that won Europe in 2009, 2011, and 2015 is gradually being dismantled.
After winning the treble in 2015, Xavi was one of the first players to leave. Since then, he has been working on reshaping a club that, according to president Joan Laporta, was "almost dead" when he took over.
Gavi and Pedri play a crucial role in the reorganized midfield for Xavi's team, while Araujo and Kounde are in their early 20s.
This season, 19-year-old Balde has frequently taken over for veteran left-back Jordi Alba, despite the fact that there are still hopes that Ansu Fati can become the team's star.
In the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday, the forward, who is 20 years old and has suffered serious injuries, is still working on his game and form. He scored a fantastic volley against Real Betis.
"Present and Future" Gavi played from the left but came inside to help Barcelona dominate the midfield against Real Madrid, which was particularly devastating.
Dani Carvajal, a defender for Madrid, was completely overwhelmed by the combination of Balde and the midfielder on the left wing.
According to Xavi, "When you see (Gavi) compete like that, putting his soul out there, he's a character that is contagious for the team, and he has an innate capacity for leadership."
It appears from within, and it is breathtaking. I've said it numerous times, but don't give up: this boy has no limits at 18."
Gavi was called a "competitive animal" by Busquets, and Laporta praised both him and Pedri.
Laporta exclaimed enthusiastically, "They are two players with both a present and a lot of future."
They can provide Barca with glorious games and numerous titles. Pedri is a magician, and Gavi is amazing because of his energy throughout each game and his increased patience and goals.
Xavi said a month ago that Pedri and Gavi were better than he and his former teammate Andres Iniesta were when they were the same age.
In January, Xavi stated, "When Andres and I were 20, we weren't at the level they are now."
"And Balde's potential is amazing; he will play fullback for Barca for the next 15 years."
At the King Fahd International Stadium and later in the locker room, Barcelona joyfully celebrated the victory.
Gavi told reporters, "It's a Clasico and a final, we celebrated it to the max."
"Since I made my debut, I have been dreaming of winning a title with Barca."
Barcelona, which is just three points behind Real Madrid at the top of the Liga, is hoping that this is the first of many silverwares and the beginning of the new era that Araujo has promised.
Content created and supplied by: Sportyhub (via Opera News )
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