Barcelona lifted the Spanish Super Cup after a breathless 3–2 El Clásico win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia. Raphinha scored twice, Robert Lewandowski added another, and Barca held firm despite late drama and a red card. It was another statement night for Hansi Flick’s growing empire.
The evening in Jeddah carried weight long before kick-off. Barcelona were chasing a record-extending 16th Super Cup, while Real Madrid were desperate to stop a worrying Clasico trend. The stadium buzzed with tension as two rivals met far from home but close to boiling point.
Flick made bold calls again. Lewandowski led the line ahead of Ferran Torres, while teenage star Lamine Yamal returned on the right. Xabi Alonso left Kylian Mbappe on the bench, protecting the Frenchman after a knee sprain.
The opening stages were scrappy in the heavy heat. Barcelona dominated the ball, while Madrid sat deep and waited for Vinicius Junior on the break. The Brazilian looked sharp early and forced Joan Garcia into the first save.
Raphinha missed a big chance, then fixed his mistake. In the 36th minute, he struck low and early across Thibaut Courtois to give Barca the lead. It was a moment that shifted belief across the pitch.
Madrid hit back in style. Vinicius drifted in from the left, nutmegged Jules Kounde, and finished with calm. The equaliser lifted Madrid and sparked a wild end to the half.
Barcelona responded fast. Pedri slipped Lewandowski through, and the striker dinked home with class. Madrid refused to fold and Gonzalo Garcia levelled deep in stoppage time after the ball fell kindly from the bar.
The second half slowed in pace but not in tension. Chances were fewer, and both keepers stayed alert. Yamal forced a save, and Rodrygo tested Garcia from distance.
The turning point came after 73 minutes. Raphinha shot from outside the box, and a deflection off Raul Asencio wrong-footed Courtois. It was his seventh goal in five games and another Clasico dagger.
Flick later praised his winger. “His mentality is unbelievable,” he said. “Rapha on the pitch is a lot of intensity, and we need this.”
Mbappe entered for the final push. Madrid pressed, but Barcelona stayed brave even after Frenkie de Jong saw red for a high challenge. Rashford nearly sealed it, while Asencio missed late at the other end.
Raphinha spoke with pride after full time. “[Flick] was the person that changed everything for me here,” he said. “When you wear this shirt, the main objective is always to win trophies.”
Barcelona have now won three straight finals against Madrid and four straight domestic trophies. History suggests this Super Cup could be a launchpad for La Liga glory. On this evidence, Barca look hungry for much more.
