Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid in a thrilling five-goal encounter to claim consecutive Spanish Super Cup titles in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This victory marked their 16th title in the tournament, adding to the sense of accomplishment as they emerged victorious against their bitter rivals once again, following last year’s final win.
The match was electrifying, especially in the second half, where Brazilian forward Raphinha provided the decisive moment with a delicate shot in the 73rd minute, which secured the win for Barcelona. The first half ended dramatically, featuring three rapid goals during stoppage time that saw both teams level at half-time. Raphinha had opened the scoring in the 36th minute by striking the ball into the bottom corner, igniting joy among Barcelona supporters.
As the match unfolded, Vinicius Jr brought Real Madrid back into the game just two minutes into first-half stoppage time, executing an impressive nutmeg on defender Jules Kounde to slide the ball into the net. This goal was particularly significant for Vinicius as it marked his first goal for Real in an eye-opening 17 matches, the last being on October 4, 2025.
Following the break, Robert Lewandowski demonstrated his finishing skills by scoring off the post, restoring Barcelona’s lead in the 49th minute and rekindling hopes of a cup victory. However, a chaotic sequence ensued as Gonzalo Garcia equalized just three minutes later, capitalizing on a scramble in the box after Dean Huijsen’s header bounced off the crossbar. This moment left Barcelona manager Hansi Flick frustrated, as he argued that the half-time whistle should have already been blown.
Tensions intensified when Frenkie de Jong received a straight red card in stoppage time for a dangerous tackle on Kylian Mbappe, who had just recently returned from a knee injury as a substitute. This left Barcelona to fend for themselves in the final minutes with just ten players, heightening the suspense as both sides fought hard for control.
In the final moments, opportunities arose for both teams, increasing the nerves for players and fans alike. Marcus Rashford missed a clear chance by shooting wide, which could have changed the match’s outcome for Real. Meanwhile, Alvaro Carreras and Raul Asencio both had chances on goal but shot directly at goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who did well to maintain Barcelona’s slender lead.
In the end, Barcelona managed to hold on and claim their second consecutive title for the first time since 2011, extending their winning streak to ten games. This achievement is remarkable given that their last defeat was in November against Chelsea in the Champions League, and they haven’t lost to any Spanish side since October 26, when Real Madrid initially defeated them in the El Clasico at the Bernabeu.
This win contributes to a productive season for Flick’s team, who currently sit four points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Barcelona’s success further cements their position in recent competitions, marking their fourth consecutive Clasico Super Cup match, with three final victories under Flick all against Real Madrid—two Super Cups and the Copa del Rey.
German coach Hansi Flick has now successfully won all eight finals he has participated in, including five with Bayern Munich, further enhancing his reputation among the top leaders in football. In contrast, Real Madrid’s season has been inconsistent, achieving four wins in their last six La Liga matches. This inconsistency has not met the high expectations set by the club and its loyal supporters, leading to renewed speculation about coach Xabi Alonso’s future at the club.
Although Real has recently found form with five consecutive wins across all competitions, this defeat may reignite questions regarding Alonso’s position and the club’s direction. The Spanish Super Cup, which has taken place in Saudi Arabia since 2020, has had its hosting arrangement extended by the Spanish Football Federation to continue until 2029, indicating the growing international reach of Spanish football and the continually evolving landscape of global sports events.
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