Barcelona defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, successfully defending the title and becoming the first team in 14 years to retain the trophy.
The high-voltage El Clasico final was played at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, where fans witnessed an action-packed contest marked by first-half drama and late tension. Four of the match’s five goals came before the break, with three scored during stoppage time.
After an evenly contested opening, Barcelona gradually took control and broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when Raphinha cut into the box and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. Real Madrid responded in first-half injury time through a brilliant solo effort by a Brazilian forward, who dribbled past two defenders before finishing calmly.
The drama intensified moments later as Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead with a delicate chipped finish from inside the penalty area. However, Real Madrid struck back once again before the interval when Gonzalo García’s follow-up effort crossed the line after hitting the bar and post, sending the teams into halftime level at 2-2.
Barcelona found the decisive goal in the 73rd minute. Raphinha slipped while shooting inside the box, but the ball deflected off defender Raúl Asencio and wrong-footed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, rolling into the net.
Kylian Mbappé, who missed the semifinal due to a knee injury, came on as a substitute three minutes later but was unable to inspire a comeback. Late drama followed as Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was shown a red card for fouling Mbappé in stoppage time. Despite having a numerical advantage, Real Madrid failed to equalise.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made crucial late saves to deny Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono, ensuring victory for the Catalan side.
With the win, Barcelona claimed their 16th Spanish Super Cup title, having also beaten Real Madrid in last year’s final. It marked the club’s first successful title defence in the competition since 2011.
