Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup after a pulsating 3–2 El Clásico victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah on Sunday, claiming a record-extending 16th title.
Raphinha was the hero for the Catalans, scoring twice, while Robert Lewandowski added the other goal as Barça overcame a spirited Madrid side coached by Xabi Alonso. Despite a late red card for Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona held on to secure the fourth trophy of Hansi Flick’s reign.
Raphinha opened the scoring after Barcelona’s growing dominance, but Vinícius Júnior responded with a brilliant individual effort to draw Madrid level and ignite a frantic end to the first half. Lewandowski restored Barça’s lead with a delicate chip, only for Gonzalo García to equalise deep into stoppage time, sending both teams into the break at 2–2.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Raphinha struck again, his effort deflecting past the Madrid goalkeeper to seal the win.
Madrid began the match without Kylian Mbappé, who was left on the bench after missing the semi-final with a knee sprain. Flick, meanwhile, opted for Lewandowski ahead of Ferran Torres and reinstated teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the right wing.
Played in the intense Saudi heat, the match started scrappily, with Barcelona controlling possession and Madrid sitting deep while looking to release Vinícius on the counter. The Brazilian, despite a long goal drought before the final, posed a constant threat and forced early saves from Joan García.
Ultimately, Barcelona’s attacking edge and Raphinha’s clinical display proved decisive as the Catalans once again asserted their dominance over their eternal rivals on the big stage.
