Barcelona Claim Spanish Super Cup Glory with Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Real Madrid
In an electrifying Saudi Arabian evening, Barcelona edged past bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final, handing coach Hansi Flick's team a record-extending 16th triumph. Raphinha starred with two goals, including a crucial deflected effort late on, to secure the victory.
The match got off to a scrappy start as Barcelona kept possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Madrid's deep-sitting defense. However, Brazilian winger Raphinha finally broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, sending his shot powerfully into the bottom corner from inside the area.
Real Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior's stunning individual goal, which nutmegged Barcelona defender Jules Kounde before slotting past goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Gonzalo Garcia equalized for Madrid in stoppage time, as Barcelona struggled to cope with the sudden surge in momentum.
Despite being level at the break, Barcelona regained control in the second half and restored their lead just five minutes after the interval through Robert Lewandowski's well-placed chip over Barca goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. However, Madrid once again equalized, this time courtesy of Garcia's clinical finish from a Dean Huijsen header.
The match hung in the balance until late on when Raphinha's deflected shot found its way past Courtois and into the net, sending Barcelona fans into raptures. The victory marked Flick's side's fourth triumph over Madrid in six meetings last season and sets them up for a strong La Liga push.
For Real Madrid, coach Xabi Alonso will be left to ponder what might have been, particularly with French superstar Kylian Mbappe missing the match due to a knee injury sustained in the semifinals. Despite being outgunned at times, Madrid showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short against Barcelona's well-oiled machine.
In contrast, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was sent off late on for a high lunge on Mbappe, but his side remained undeterred, as they celebrated their 16th Spanish Super Cup title in style.
In an electrifying Saudi Arabian evening, Barcelona edged past bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final, handing coach Hansi Flick's team a record-extending 16th triumph. Raphinha starred with two goals, including a crucial deflected effort late on, to secure the victory.
The match got off to a scrappy start as Barcelona kept possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Madrid's deep-sitting defense. However, Brazilian winger Raphinha finally broke the deadlock just past the hour mark, sending his shot powerfully into the bottom corner from inside the area.
Real Madrid responded through Vinicius Junior's stunning individual goal, which nutmegged Barcelona defender Jules Kounde before slotting past goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Gonzalo Garcia equalized for Madrid in stoppage time, as Barcelona struggled to cope with the sudden surge in momentum.
Despite being level at the break, Barcelona regained control in the second half and restored their lead just five minutes after the interval through Robert Lewandowski's well-placed chip over Barca goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. However, Madrid once again equalized, this time courtesy of Garcia's clinical finish from a Dean Huijsen header.
The match hung in the balance until late on when Raphinha's deflected shot found its way past Courtois and into the net, sending Barcelona fans into raptures. The victory marked Flick's side's fourth triumph over Madrid in six meetings last season and sets them up for a strong La Liga push.
For Real Madrid, coach Xabi Alonso will be left to ponder what might have been, particularly with French superstar Kylian Mbappe missing the match due to a knee injury sustained in the semifinals. Despite being outgunned at times, Madrid showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short against Barcelona's well-oiled machine.
In contrast, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was sent off late on for a high lunge on Mbappe, but his side remained undeterred, as they celebrated their 16th Spanish Super Cup title in style.