Conquest accentuates the good moment of Barça, leader of La Liga, and increases the demand on Xabi Alonso’s work in charge of the merengue
He is champion of the Spanish Super Cup. In another chapter of the classic played on Saudi soil, the Catalans overcame this Sunday, 3-2, and lifted the trophy for the 16th time, opening a historic advantage over their rival, who has won 13 titles. The achievement highlights the good moment of Barça, leader of La Liga, and increases the pressure on Xabi Alonso’s work in charge of the Whites. The decision marked the third consecutive year that Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other in the final of the tournament, again held in Saudi Arabia. In previous editions, the rivals had exchanged thrashings: 4-1 to Real in 2024 and 5-2 to Barça last year.
The highlight of the match was striker Raphinha, who scored two of Barcelona’s three goals. Vini Jr. also left his own, but was unable to prevent Real’s defeat. The former Flamengo striker at least broke a 15-game streak without finding the net.
The first half was largely dominated by Barcelona, who finished the opening half with 76% ball possession and greater offensive volume. Control of the game was reflected in submissions and constant presence in the attacking field. After wasting a clear chance, Raphinha opened the scoring and confirmed the Catalan superiority.
Even under pressure, Real Madrid managed to react with individual brilliance. In the final minutes of the first half, Vini Jr. received the ball on the left, passed three markers and finished with precision to equalize. The goal ended a streak of 15 matches without scoring, the Brazilian forward’s longest streak since joining the Spanish club.
Equality, however, was short-lived. In a collective failure by the Merengue defense, Lewandowski took advantage of Pedri’s precise pass and put Barcelona back in front. Still in stoppage time, the Catalan team suffered again from its chronic problem in the defensive system, and Gonzalo García appeared well to tie the match again, closing an electrifying first half.
In the final stage, Real Madrid even started better and created a great opportunity with Rodrygo, but Barcelona were more efficient. In the 27th minute, Ferrán Torres scored with Dani Olmo, the ball fell to Raphinha, who finished with his right foot. The shot deflected off Asencio and killed goalkeeper Courtois, guaranteeing the Brazilian’s second goal and the Catalan title.
At a disadvantage, Xabi Alonso launched Mbappé, who started on the bench after missing the semi-final due to a sprain in his left knee. Even with the Frenchman’s entry, Real were unable to sustain consistent pressure, and Barcelona managed the result until the final whistle, despite losing Frenkie de Jong, sent off in stoppage time.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
