Image source: theguardian.com
Barcelona claimed the Spanish Super Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah, with Raphinha scoring twice and Robert Lewandowski adding a third goal in a chaotic final that saw four goals in 15 minutes during the first half before the Brazilian’s deflected winner sealed the trophy.
Raphinha Double Inspires Barcelona to Thrilling 3-2 Super Cup Victory Over Real Madrid
Barcelona lifted their first trophy of the season after a pulsating encounter that exploded into life during a remarkable first-half period. Raphinha opened the scoring on 36 minutes when Fermin’s pass found him in space, allowing the Brazilian to drop his shoulder and guide his shot into the corner past Thibaut Courtois. The lead lasted just nine minutes before Vinicius Junior equalised with a superb individual effort, collecting possession from halfway, flying up the wing and finishing brilliantly after nutmegging Jules Kounde and stepping away from Pau Cubarsi.
The drama intensified in first-half stoppage time as Barcelona immediately restored their advantage through Lewandowski. Raphinha found Pedri, who slotted through to the Polish striker, and despite a heavy first touch, Lewandowski recovered to dink the ball expertly over Courtois into the net. Madrid’s response was instant, with Gonzalo Garcia turning home the equaliser after Dean Huijsen’s header was somehow stopped on the line by Raphinha, the ball rebounding off the crossbar before Garcia converted while falling.
The second half remained equally entertaining, with Vinicius continuing to pose the greatest threat for Madrid and Joan Garcia making crucial saves to deny both the Brazilian and Rodrygo. Barcelona gradually took control of possession but struggled to create clear chances, with Aurelien Tchouameni repeatedly intercepting diagonal passes into dangerous areas. Lamine Yamal came close from the edge of the six-yard box, only for Courtois to stand firm and block at point-blank range.
Barcelona secured the decisive goal on 73 minutes through Raphinha’s second of the evening, though fortune played a part as the Brazilian slipped while striking the ball, which deflected off Raul Asencio and lifted into the net. Kylian Mbappe was introduced immediately after the goal but could not inspire a Madrid comeback as Barcelona controlled the closing stages. The final drama came in the 96th minute when Asencio found himself unmarked in the six-yard box, but his header was saved by Garcia, who held on to secure Barcelona’s Super Cup triumph.
Despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card, Barcelona successfully defended their lead through six minutes of added time to claim the trophy. The victory marked an impressive performance from Raphinha and Pedri, while Vinicius Junior stood out for Madrid in a thrilling encounter that lived up to its Clasico billing in the Saudi Arabian heat.
