Barcelona triumphed over their fierce rivals Real Madrid with a comprehensive 5-2 victory in the Spanish Super Cup final, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. This remarkable win, which marked the first trophy of the Hansi Flick era at Barcelona, was a stunning display of attacking football and resilience, as the Catalan side handed Madrid their latest El Clasico humiliation.
The match began with a bright start for Real Madrid, who took the lead in the 5th minute through a brilliant counterattacking goal by French forward Kylian Mbappe. Madrid’s initial lead, however, was short-lived as Barcelona quickly responded with a series of quick-fire goals.
Barcelona’s 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal was the first to level the score, showcasing his immense talent with an exquisite individual effort. The teenager cut in from the right wing before placing a low shot into the near post, mimicking the style of former Barcelona great Lionel Messi. This stunning goal set the tone for Barcelona’s dominance throughout the game.
Soon after, Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski converted from the penalty spot, giving the Catalan side the lead following a reckless challenge by Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga on Gavi. Barcelona further extended their advantage with a header from Raphinha, who rose to meet a precise cross from Jules Kounde. Before halftime, Alejandro Balde made it 4-1 with a clinical finish after a slick assist from Raphinha, capping off a devastating first-half performance.
Despite the significant deficit, Real Madrid sought to fight back. Rodrygo Goes pulled one back for the European champions with a free-kick that found the net past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who had been sent off earlier in the second half for a foul on Mbappe outside the penalty area. The sending-off came after a VAR review, and Barcelona was reduced to 10 men with the replacement goalkeeper Inaki Pena having to take charge.
But even with a numerical advantage, Madrid’s hopes of mounting a serious comeback were dashed as Barcelona continued to press forward. Raphinha completed his brace with a brilliant individual effort, scoring Barcelona’s fifth goal of the game in a composed finish after a well-timed through ball from Marc Casado.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti lamented his team’s defensive performance, acknowledging that poor defending was the key reason behind the heavy defeat. Ancelotti admitted that Madrid’s inability to prevent Barcelona from scoring had been costly, noting that the team allowed their rivals to find the back of the net with ease. “We defended badly and that cost us the game,” Ancelotti said. “We’re sad, like all our fans, it’s disappointing, and we don’t have to hide that… we have to look forwards, there’s nothing else we can do.”
The game also highlighted the continued growth of Mbappe’s influence in the Madrid attack, with the French forward playing a key role in setting up Jude Bellingham for a chance that was brilliantly blocked by Barcelona’s Kounde in the dying moments. Mbappe’s individual brilliance continued to be one of the few positives for Madrid, but even his dazzling performances couldn’t save his side from a chastening defeat
