Barcelona overcame Real Madrid in a dramatic five-goal contest to retain the Spanish Super Cup crown in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, securing back-to-back titles in the competition.
The victory marked Barcelona’s 16th Spanish Super Cup triumph and their second successive final win over Real Madrid, pitching their growing dominance in high-stakes Clasico encounters under Hansi Flick.
First-half chaos sets the tone
Barcelona struck first in the 36th minute through Raphinha, who drilled a low effort into the bottom corner.
The game then descended into first-half stoppage-time chaos, with Vinicius Jr equalising for Real Madrid after a brilliant solo run that ended his long goal drought.
Just minutes later, Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead, clipping his finish in off the post.
However, Gonzalo Garcia responded almost immediately for Real Madrid, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to ensure the sides went into the break level, amid protests from Flick over the extended added time.
Raphinha decisive as Barca hold firm
Raphinha proved decisive again in the 73rd minute, floating a precise effort that ultimately settled the contest. Despite intense late pressure, Barcelona showed composure to see out the win.
Frenkie de Jong was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on substitute Kylian Mbappe, heightening tension in the closing stages.
Both sides had late chances, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia stood strong as Barca preserved their advantage.
Momentum builds for Flick’s Barcelona
The win extends Barcelona’s winning run to 10 matches and delivers Flick his first silverware of the season, with his side now four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona have also beaten Real Madrid in all three finals contested under the German coach.
For Real Madrid, the defeat may return crtiticsm around Xabi Alonso despite recent improvements in form.