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Barcelona have defended their Spanish Super Cup title with an exciting 3-2 El Clasico victory against Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
Raphinha netted two goals for the Catalans on Sunday, while Robert Lewandowski added another as they defeated Xabi Alonso’s squad for a record-setting 16th victory, even with Frenkie de Jong’s late red card.
Following Raphinha’s goal that put Barcelona in the lead, Vinicius Junior equalized for Madrid with an impressive solo effort, igniting an intense final stretch of the first half in Jeddah.
Lewandowski delicately put Barca ahead again, but Gonzalo Garcia scored late in stoppage time to equalize for both teams at halftime.
The match was determined by a redirected shot from Raphinha after 73 minutes, as Barca secured the fourth trophy under coach Hansi Flick’s leadership.
His Madrid counterpart, Xabi Alonso, started with French star Kylian Mbappe on the bench after he was out for the semifinal victory over Atletico due to a knee sprain.
Hansi Flick, who guided Barca to four victories against Madrid in four Clasico encounters last season, chose Lewandowski as the striker instead of Ferran Torres and reinstated teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the right wing.
The match began roughly in the evening heat of Saudi Arabia, with Barcelona retaining possession as Madrid defended firmly, aiming to exploit counterattacks through Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian hadn’t netted in his last 16 games, yet posed a significant danger, sprinting down the left and compelling Joan Garcia to make the initial save.
The latter half mirrored the first: Real Madrid stayed solid defensively as Barcelona controlled possession, maintaining nearly 80% of the ball in their pursuit of a goal.
Barcelona’s memorable night was capped by a touching moment, as Ronald Araújo, playing his first match after returning from a break related to mental health, was given the honour of lifting the trophy.
While often considered the least significant trophy of the season, the Spanish Super Cup can provide a major psychological boost. Historically, the Super Cup winner has frequently gone on to claim the La Liga title.
The competition features the La Liga champions and runners-up from the previous season, along with the two Copa del Rey finalists.
“We’re very happy, another title. Whenever we play against Real Madrid it’s a big game. We played well in the first half, and in the second too. We looked for more goals, but we won and that’s the most important thing,” Lewandoski told media.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
