Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 3-2 to Retain Spanish Super Cup

Barcelona successfully defended their Spanish Super Cup crown after edging Real Madrid 3-2 in a pulsating El Clasico final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday night.

Raphinha scored twice while Robert Lewandowski also found the net as the Catalans sealed a record-extending 16th Super Cup title, despite finishing the match with 10 men following Frenkie de Jong’s late red card.

Raphinha shines as Barcelona strike decisive blow

The winger proved the difference on the night, netting the winner in the 73rd minute when his long-range effort deflected past Thibaut Courtois. It capped another outstanding display, marking his seventh goal in five matches across all competitions.

Lewandowski earlier chipped Barca into the lead after Vinicius Junior had cancelled out Raphinha’s opener with a brilliant solo effort. However, Gonzalo Garcia equalised for Madrid deep into first-half stoppage time to ensure a dramatic 2-2 scoreline at the break.

Mbappe impact limited as Madrid fall short

Kylian Mbappe, recovering from a knee sprain, came on in the final 15 minutes as Madrid chased an equaliser. While his introduction lifted the tempo, he failed to register a clear chance.

De Jong was sent off for a high challenge on the French star, but Barcelona held firm. Marcus Rashford missed a late opportunity to seal the game, while Raul Asencio’s final header was comfortably saved.

Flick celebrates fourth trophy as Alonso waits

The win delivered Barcelona coach Hansi Flick his fourth trophy since taking charge and extended his impressive Clasico record against Madrid. In contrast, Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso remains without silverware since his appointment in June, with his side’s five-game winning run coming to an end.

“Whatever way you lose, it hurts,” Alonso said. “It was a very even game and we fought until the end. Congratulations to Barcelona.”

Lewandowski praised the team’s mentality, saying: “It’s always special to win against Madrid. We wanted more goals, but the win is what matters.”

Momentum boost for La Liga leaders

Barcelona have now won 10 straight matches in all competitions and sit top of La Liga. Notably, each of the last four Spanish Super Cup winners has gone on to lift the league title, a trend the Catalans will hope continues this season.

For Madrid, the narrow defeat raises fresh questions, but the intensity of the contest underlined just how fine the margins remain in Spain’s fiercest rivalry.