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Barcelona delivered a stunning performance, defeating their eternal rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup Clasico final held in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, clinching the first trophy of the Hansi Flick era.
Kylian Mbappe gave Madrid the early lead, but Barcelona responded with five goals, including a red card for Madrid’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny in the second half. This victory marked another dominant display from Barcelona, following their 4-0 La Liga win over Madrid in October.
After Mbappe’s opener, Lamine Yamal quickly leveled the score, and Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty to put Barcelona ahead. Raphinha added a brace, while Alejandro Balde also found the back of the net. Rodrygo pulled one back for Madrid with a free-kick, but they struggled to make the most of their numerical advantage, suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals in Jeddah.
"I think today is a great day because we beat one of the best teams in the world, Real Madrid, for the second time this season, and that feels unbelievable," Flick told reporters. “We’ve won a title here, and we’re incredibly happy… today is a moment to look positively at this team.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted that poor defending was the main reason for the heavy loss. "We defended badly, and that cost us the game — they found their goals too easily," Ancelotti told Movistar. “We’re sad, like all our fans. It’s disappointing, and we can’t hide from that… now we have to move forward.”
Barcelona had a strong start, with Mbappe’s brilliant goal giving Madrid the lead in just the fifth minute. The French forward, who had been repeatedly flagged offside during earlier league meetings with Barcelona, found space after Vinicius won back the ball and coolly finished past Szczesny.
Barcelona quickly responded with a stunning individual effort from 17-year-old Yamal, who cut in from the right and slotted home a low finish, reminiscent of former Barca legend Lionel Messi, to level the score.
Barcelona kept the pressure on and soon took the lead with Lewandowski’s penalty after Eduardo Camavinga recklessly clattered into Gavi. Raphinha added Barcelona’s third with a header from Kounde’s cross, and they extended their lead before halftime with a well-executed breakaway goal. Yamal and Raphinha combined, setting up Balde to finish past Courtois.
In the second half, Barcelona continued their dominant play, with Raphinha netting his second goal after a neat dribble and finish. Their evening took a turn for the worse when Mbappe broke free, rounded Szczesny, and was brought down outside the area, resulting in a red card for the goalkeeper after a VAR review.
Rodrygo struck a free-kick past Szczesny’s replacement, Inaki Pena, but Madrid couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Mbappe continued to shine, setting up Jude Bellingham, but a brilliant Jules Kounde challenge denied the England international. Mbappe also came close again with a fine individual effort, but Pena made a crucial save.
“He was the best (Madrid player),” Ancelotti said, noting Mbappe’s improved performance following a mixed start after his move from Paris Saint-Germain.
“We can’t always win. If we have to lose a cup, it’s better that it’s this one,” Madrid veteran Luka Modric said.
Barcelona made a notable addition to their squad, bringing on playmaker Dani Olmo for his first appearance since his temporary registration, a move that had caused controversy during the week. However, it was their five-star performance that dominated the headlines, as Barcelona secured a record-extending 15th Spanish Super Cup.
“It feels amazing. It had been a season since we last won a trophy. It’s always special, especially in a Clasico against Real Madrid,” Barcelona defender Kounde told Movistar.
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