Barcelona Demolish Real Madrid in Thrilling Spanish Super Cup Showdown
In an electrifying clash that sent shockwaves through the football world, Barcelona dismantled Real Madrid 5-2 to claim the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, clinching the first piece of silverware under Hansi Flick’s stewardship.
Real Madrid’s hopes were initially lifted when Kylian Mbappe’s clinical finish put them ahead.
However, Barcelona, showing dominance and flair, struck back with five decisive goals, even as their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in the second half.
Mbappe’s opener in the fifth minute seemed to ignite Madrid’s belief, but Barcelona quickly equalized through the dynamic Lamine Yamal, before Robert Lewandowski’s penalty put them in front. Raphinha, in sparkling form, notched a brace, while Alejandro Balde also contributed with a goal. Despite a stunning free-kick from Rodrygo Goes pulling one back for Madrid, Barcelona’s rampant display left their arch-rivals reeling.
Having suffered a 4-0 thrashing in October’s La Liga encounter, Madrid were keen to avenge that humbling defeat. However, on this occasion, they were left with little more than bruised egos as they were overrun by Barcelona’s attacking prowess. Flick’s charges, determined and relentless, surged forward, with Raphinha completing a brace and Balde finding the net as well.
Real Madrid’s defense, despite being bolstered by Thibaut Courtois’ superb saves early on, could not withstand the onslaught. Courtois first denied Yamal’s curling effort and then kept out Raphinha’s header, but the Belgian was powerless to prevent Mbappe’s counter-attack goal, which gave Madrid the early lead. Yet, Barcelona were quick to respond, with Yamal, whose play often evokes comparisons to Lionel Messi, producing an exquisite individual effort to level the score.
As the match progressed, Barcelona’s grip on the game tightened. Lewandowski converted from the penalty spot after a reckless challenge by Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga on Gavi. Raphinha then scored a powerful header from a deep cross by Jules Kounde. The Brazilian winger was also involved in the buildup to Barcelona’s fourth, as he combined with Yamal to set up Balde, who slotted past Courtois with precision.
In the second half, Barcelona continued to dominate, with Raphinha netting his second after a neat dribble and finish, aided by Marc Casado’s clever assist. The match took a dramatic turn when Szczesny was sent off for a foul on Mbappe outside the box, following a VAR review. Rodrygo capitalized by scoring the free-kick past Szczesny’s replacement, Inaki Pena.
Despite a valiant effort from Mbappe, who was instrumental in Madrid’s play and created opportunities for Jude Bellingham, Barcelona’s defense stood firm, with Kounde making a crucial challenge to deny Bellingham in stoppage time. Mbappe also came close to scoring again but was thwarted by Pena’s fine save.
In a final twist, Barcelona introduced Dani Olmo, making his debut appearance after his controversial registration earlier in the week. Yet, it was the Catalans’ mesmerizing football and clinical finishing that stole the show, securing them a record-extending 15th Spanish Super Cup and reinforcing their status as kings of Spanish football.
