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Brazilian Raphinha was highlighted with two goals in Barça’s rout
Published on January 12, 2025 at 6:37 pm
Barcelona passed the tractor over Real Madrid and won the Spanish Super Cup Credit: Disclosure/Barcelona
Barcelona completely involved Real Madrid, beating their arch-rivals 5-2 this Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and winning the Spanish Super Cup for the 15th time. Brazilian Raphinha, with two goals and one assist, was the highlight of the decision. The biggest winner of the competition, Barcelona opened 2 titles ahead of the team from the capital.
The way the victory came about serves as a shot in the arm for Barcelona, who traveled to Saudi Arabia worried about the drop in performance in the Spanish Championship. In the last five rounds, Hansi Flick’s team managed just one victory and suffered three defeats and is now 6 points behind leader Atlético de Madrid.
The game at the King Abdullah Stadium got off to a fast-paced start. With less than four minutes, Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois had already made two important saves from shots from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
From a corner kick given after Raphinha’s header, Vini Jr. won the ball dispute with Casadó at the edge of the area and quickly launched a counterattack. The Brazilian played Mbappé on the right side. Marked by Balde, the Frenchman invaded the area and crossed the ball to beat Szczesny and make it 1-0.
With much more possession of the ball (around 80%), Barcelona articulated the plays well and reached the equalizer in the 22nd minute. At speed, Lewandowski served as a pivot and found Lamine Yamal on the right. The 17-year-old striker cut inside and sent a cross into Courtois’ left corner. The 2 meter tall goalkeeper stretched but was unable to stop the equalizer.
Real even managed to attack, but without making the mark they saw Barcelona turn the score around in the 36th minute. After a ball crossed into the area, Camavinga arrived late and hit Gavi’s thigh. After VAR review, the penalty was awarded. Lewandowski hit Courtois’ left corner firmly and scored his 25th goal of the season.
The disorganization of Real Madrid’s defensive system was evident in Barcelona’s third and fourth goals. Koundé, from midfield, raised the ball in the Real area. Raphinha appeared free, behind Lucas Vázquez, to head into the right corner in the 39th minute.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to fix the team’s defensive scheme and returned with Ceballos in place of Camavinga in the second half. The flaws in defensive positioning, however, continued. In the 3rd minute, Casadó noticed the immense space left by his rivals on the left and launched Raphinha. The Brazilian advanced with speed, avoided the defender’s marking and played low to score his second goal of the game.
A few minutes into the second half, Ancelotti made another change by bringing on Lucas Vázquez, who was completely involved by Raphinha, for Asencio to enter. Valverde was moved to the side.
The match gained new air after 9 minutes. Mbappé appeared at speed in front of Szczesny, who left the goal and brought down the French striker outside the area. After a VAR review, the foul was called and the Barcelona goalkeeper was sent off.
With the free kick, Rodrygo took advantage of the fact that goalkeeper Inaki Pena was cold and scored. Pena touched the ball, but without enough force to take it out of the goal. The ball hit the post before going in.
Even with an extra player, Real Madrid were unable to put pressure on their rival efficiently. On several occasions, defender Rudiger appeared as a center forward. Mbappé was one of the few at Real who managed to build plays consciously.
