Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup after edging Real Madrid 3–2 in a pulsating final on Sunday, sealing a record-extending 16th title. Hansi Flick’s side repeated last year’s triumph over their fiercest rivals to continue their recent dominance in the competition.
Raphinha Makes The Difference
Raphinha was the decisive figure, scoring twice to swing the contest Barcelona’s way. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 36th minute, finishing confidently to put Barça ahead and set the tone for a dramatic encounter.
First-Half Drama
The match burst into life in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Vinicius Jr levelled for Real Madrid two minutes into added time with a brilliant solo effort, nutmegging Jules Kounde before sliding the ball into the far corner for his first goal in 17 games.
Barcelona responded almost immediately. Robert Lewandowski struck two minutes later, clipping the ball in off the post to restore Barcelona’s lead and send Flick’s side into the break 2–1 ahead.
Real Hit Back
Real Madrid refused to fold and were back on level terms just three minutes after the restart. Gonzalo Garcia capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, hooking the ball home after Dean Huijsen’s header struck the crossbar. The goal sparked fury on the Barcelona bench, with Flick convinced the half-time whistle should already have been blown.
Late Twist And Resilience
Raphinha struck again in the 73rd minute to reclaim the lead for Barcelona. Drifting into space on the edge of the area, he slipped as he shot, but a deflection wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois and sent the ball into the net.
Late tension followed when Barcelona were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Frenkie de Jong was sent off for a challenge on Kylian Mbappe. Real threw everything forward, but goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced vital saves to deny Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono, ensuring Barcelona held on.
The victory confirms Barcelona as Spanish Super Cup holders once again and extends their record in the competition, while Real Madrid rue missed chances in a gripping Clásico final.
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