By Desmond Nleya
Barcelona successfully defended the Spanish Super Cup after a thrilling 3–2 El Clásico victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday night, with Raphinha scoring twice to inspire the Catalans to a record-extending 16th title.
The Brazilian winger was the standout performer, while Robert Lewandowski also found the net as Barcelona overcame a late red card to Frenkie de Jong and held off Madrid’s late push.
Barcelona struck first after gradually asserting control of possession in a scrappy opening played in the Saudi evening heat. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, firing a low shot across Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner after earlier squandering a good chance.
Real Madrid responded swiftly through Vinícius Júnior, who ended a 16-match goal drought in style by cutting in from the left, nutmegging Jules Koundé and finishing past Joan García.
The first half continued at a frantic pace. Barcelona regained the lead in stoppage time when Lewandowski delicately chipped the ball home after a perfectly weighted pass from Pedri. But Madrid struck back almost immediately, as Gonzalo García reacted quickest to score after Dean Huijsen’s header rebounded off the crossbar, sending the teams into halftime level at 2–2.
The second half was more measured, with fewer clear-cut chances. García denied Rodrygo with a low save, while Courtois pushed away a dangerous effort from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Raphinha unleashed a shot from outside the box that deflected off Raúl Asencio and wrong-footed Courtois, sealing the win for Barcelona. It was the winger’s seventh goal in his last five matches across all competitions.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, who had left Kylian Mbappé on the bench after the French star missed the semifinal with a knee sprain, introduced him for the final 15 minutes in search of an equaliser. Although Mbappé struggled to make an impact, his presence contributed to Frenkie de Jong’s late dismissal for a high challenge.
Despite having a numerical advantage, Madrid failed to capitalise. Barcelona even came closest to scoring again in stoppage time, with Marcus Rashford firing wide when through on goal, while Asencio’s late header was comfortably saved by García.
The victory hands Barcelona their fourth trophy under coach Hansi Flick, who continues his perfect record in El Clásico encounters this season. With the last four Spanish Super Cup winners going on to lift the La Liga title, Barça will hope this dramatic triumph serves as a springboard for further success.
