Barcelona wrote a new chapter in their history by clinching one of the most thrilling Spanish Super Cup finals, defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 to retain their title and claim their 16th championship. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
The King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted this fiery encounter, which lived up to expectations with dramatic twists and high-quality performances from both sides.
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A Catalan Start and the Opening Goal
Barcelona entered the match with evident confidence, gradually establishing dominance until they converted their superiority into a goal in the 36th minute. Rafinha capitalized on a clever pass from Fermín López, surged forward, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that found the back of Thibaut Courtois’ net, giving the Catalans the lead.
A Quick Madrid Response and a Frenetic First Half
Real Madrid refused to give up and managed to equalize in first-half stoppage time through Vinicius Junior, who delivered a brilliant piece of skill, finishing with a superb goal in the 45+2nd minute.
However, Los Blancos’ joy was short-lived, as Barcelona regained the lead just two minutes later. Robert Lewandowski capitalized on a precise pass from Pedri, calmly slotting the ball into the net with a composed touch that showcased his experience in crucial moments.
With defensive chaos continuing, Gonzalo García leveled the score for Real Madrid in the 45+7th minute, taking advantage of a lapse in Barcelona’s defense. The first half ended 2-2 in a rare and dramatic sequence.
Rafinha Seals Victory in the Second Half
In the second half, the pace slowed somewhat before Rafinha reappeared in the 73rd minute, scoring the winning goal for Barcelona. His powerful shot deflected off Asensio’s foot, wrong-footing Courtois and giving the Catalans a decisive advantage.
De Jong Sent Off and Madrid’s Desperate Attempts
The 90+1st minute saw a dramatic moment when Dutch star Frenkie de Jong was sent off for a reckless challenge on Kylian Mbappé, leaving Barcelona to finish the match with ten men. Despite intense pressure from Real Madrid, Los Blancos failed to find an equalizer, and the match ended with a well-deserved victory for Barcelona.
Flick Praises the True Midfield Maestro
Despite Rafinha’s brilliance, scoring two goals and earning the Man of the Match award—and Lamine Yamal’s flashes of skill, the Spanish newspaper El Nacional revealed that coach Hansi Flick had a different perspective.
Flick particularly praised Frenkie de Jong, considering him one of the key reasons for Barcelona’s dominance. He highlighted de Jong’s clear superiority over Real Madrid’s midfield, his ability to control the tempo, and his commanding presence, emphasizing that his impact transcended mere statistics and was crucial to securing the title.
With this victory, Barcelona sends a powerful message ahead of the season: the team remains capable of winning major trophies, even under the most challenging circumstances and against the toughest opponents.
