Barcelona have secured back-to-back Spanish Super Cup titles after a pulsating 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
The win marks a 16th triumph in the competition for the Catalan giants and Hansi Flick’s first silverware of the season, repeating their success over Los Blancos in last year’s final.
A frantic finale to the first half
The match exploded into life late in the opening period following a relatively cagey start. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, ghosting into space to drill a precise finish into the bottom corner.
What followed was a remarkable three-goal blitz in first-half stoppage time:
- Vinicius Jr ended a goal drought dating back to October, nutmegging Jules Kounde on a solo run before sliding the ball home to equalise.
- Robert Lewandowski immediately restored Barca’s lead, clipping a finish in off the post.
- Gonzalo Garcia leveled again for Real just moments later, hooking the ball in after Dean Huijsen’s header had rattled the crossbar.
Hansi Flick was seen protesting vehemently on the touchline, arguing that the half-time whistle should have been blown before Real’s second equaliser.
Raphinha the hero
The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Raphinha claimed his second of the night. His floated effort caught the Madrid defence off guard to settle the contest and ensure Barcelona’s first consecutive Super Cup defence since the Pep Guardiola era in 2011.
Late drama and red card
The closing stages were defined by nerves and indiscipline. Frenkie de Jong was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for a heavy lunge on Kylian Mbappe, who had earlier entered the fray as a substitute following a knee injury.
Real Madrid pushed for a third equaliser, but substitute Marcus Rashford dragged a golden opportunity wide, while Joan Garcia saved comfortably from Alvaro Carreras and Raul Asencio to preserve the lead.
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