In a thrilling showdown at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, FC Barcelona delivered a clinical performance to defeat arch-rivals Real Madrid 5-2 and secure their 15th Spanish Super Cup title.
Barcelona triumphs over Real Madrid 5-2 to claim 15th Spanish Super Cup title
The El Clasico clash saw drama, flair, and resilience as Barcelona bounced back from an early setback to dominate the reigning champions.
French superstar Kylian Mbappe gave Real Madrid an early lead in the fifth minute with a breathtaking solo run from midfield, slotting the ball past Barcelona’s Wojciech Szczesny.
Contrasting emotions 😆😐
Barcelona beat Real Madrid 5-2 to win the Spanish Super Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BnIW27YS7g
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 12, 2025
However, the Catalans responded with poise and determination. Teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal equalized in the 22nd minute, calmly finishing past Thibaut Courtois after a well-crafted attack.
Barcelona’s surge continued, with Robert Lewandowski converting a penalty in the 36th minute after Eduardo Camavinga brought down Gavi in the box.
Moments later, Brazilian winger Raphinha stunned the Madrid defense, rising high to head home Jules Kounde’s cross in the 39th minute.
The first-half fireworks didn’t end there as defender Alejandro Balde added a fourth during stoppage time, leaving Real Madrid shell-shocked at the break.
The second half started with Barcelona maintaining their momentum. Raphinha struck again in the 48th minute, weaving through Madrid’s defense to make it 5-1.
Real Madrid showed signs of life in the 60th minute when Rodrygo curled in a brilliant free kick after Szczesny was sent off for fouling Mbappe outside the box.
Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona held firm, frustrating Carlo Ancelotti’s side with disciplined defending and tactical control.
“We always aim to win titles, and tonight we showed why,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
“Real made mistakes, and we capitalized on them. This victory is a testament to our hard work.”
Ancelotti, meanwhile, lamented his team’s performance. “In the first half, we didn’t play football. We made too many errors, and Barcelona punished us,” he admitted.
With this emphatic victory, Barcelona not only regained the Super Cup crown but also showcased their dominance in Spanish football.
