From Marcus Nkire
FC Barcelona claimed their 16th Spanish Super Cup title after edging arch-rivals Real Madrid 3–2 in a pulsating Clásico final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A brace from Brazilian winger Raphinha and a first-half goal by Robert Lewandowski sealed the victory for the Catalan giants, who became the first club in 15 years to retain the Super Cup trophy.
Barcelona dominated large spells of the encounter, particularly in the first half where they enjoyed overwhelming possession and dictated the tempo against a Madrid side that struggled to cope with their intensity.
Raphinha opened the scoring after capitalising on a chance from the left flank, capping a period of sustained pressure by Barça. Despite their dominance, Real Madrid drew level in first-half stoppage time through a moment of individual brilliance from Vinícius Júnior, who weaved past multiple defenders before finding the net.
The equaliser barely settled before Barcelona struck again. Pedri threaded a precise pass through Madrid’s defence, allowing Lewandowski to delicately chip
Thibaut Courtois and restore Barça’s lead. Madrid, however, responded once more before the interval, with Gonzalo García scrambling home after Dean Huijsen’s header rebounded off the crossbar, ensuring the teams went into the break tied at 2–2.
The second half proved more measured, but Barcelona regained the advantage on 73 minutes when Raphinha’s shot deflected off Raúl Asencio and looped over Courtois. The goal marked the Brazilian’s fourth of the tournament, a record in a single Super Cup edition.
Barcelona then shifted into defensive mode as Madrid pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The introduction of Kylian Mbappé added urgency to Madrid’s attack, but clear chances remained scarce. Frenkie de Jong was later sent off following a challenge on the French forward, heightening tension in the closing minutes.
Madrid came close late on, but goalkeeper Joan García produced a series of decisive saves, including a point-blank stop from Asencio, to preserve Barcelona’s slender lead.
The victory capped a memorable night for Barcelona, who also welcomed back Ronald Araújo from injury. The defender was later handed the honour of lifting the trophy as Barça extended their record as the most successful club in Spanish Super Cup history.
