Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in Saudi Arabia to lift the Spanish Super Cup again this season, as they continued their recent dominance over Real Madrid in Cup finals.
Barcelona dominated the match in a win that showed how Hansi Flick’s side can evolve in any big game. For neutrals and both sets of fans, the first half was brilliant, especially the final 15 minutes.
Raphinha started the scoring for Barcelona just after the 35th-minute mark with a brilliant finish past Thibaut Courtois from the left-hand side of Real Madrid’s box.
Vinícius Júnior then took matters into his own hands two minutes into additional time in the first half. The Brazilian got the better of Barcelona defenders before slotting the ball home to make it 1-1.
One minute later, Barcelona regained their lead through Lewandowski. The Polish striker dinked the ball into the net after Pedri played him through.
Just when fans thought Barça would carry the lead into the break, Real Madrid equalized through in-form Gonzalo Garcia.
Raphinha made the difference for Barcelona in the second half in the 73rd minute when a deflection sent his shot into the net. Madrid tried to get back into the game, but it was not to be.
Barcelona held on for the remaining 15 minutes and played with 10 men for the final five minutes of extra time after Frenkie de Jong received a red card.
