Barcelona claimed the Spanish Super Cup for the second consecutive year, defeating rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in a dramatic final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Barcelona edges Real Madrid in thrilling Super Cup final
Forward Raphinha starred with two crucial goals, including a decisive 73rd-minute winner.
The match exploded with action just before halftime. After Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute, the teams combined for three stoppage-time goals.
🏆 SUPER CUP CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/cugAio9vpb
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 11, 2026
VinÃcius Júnior ended a personal scoring drought to equalize for Madrid, only for Robert Lewandowski to immediately restore Barcelona’s lead. Gonzalo GarcÃa then leveled again for Madrid before the break.
The winning goal arrived in fortunate circumstances. Raphinha slipped while taking a shot, but the ball deflected off Madrid defender Rüdiger, wrong-footing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and rolling into the net.
The Brazilian, who also scored twice in last year’s final, expressed his emotion after the final whistle. “We gave all we had,” Raphinha said. “We needed a win like this.”
Real Madrid introduced Kylian Mbappé in the 76th minute, but the French forward could not find an equalizer.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso downplayed the defeat, calling the Super Cup the “least important” competition and urging his team to refocus.
Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, returning from a personal break, lifted the trophy. This victory marks Barcelona’s 16th Super Cup title, extending their record over second-place Madrid, who have 13.
The Spanish soccer federation confirmed the 2025 final will move to either Qatar or Kuwait due to Saudi Arabia hosting the Asian Cup, before returning to Saudi Arabia from 2028 through 2030.
