Barcelona Triumph Over Real Madrid in El Clásico to Secure Spanish Super Cup Retention

Raphinha’s double strike powers Barcelona to a 3-2 victory against Real Madrid, claiming the Spanish Super Cup for the second consecutive year.

Barcelona successfully defended their Spanish Super Cup crown with an electrifying 3-2 El Clásico victory over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.

Raphinha netted twice for the Catalan side on Sunday, while Robert Lewandowski also found the net, guiding his team to a historic 16th title in the competition an all-time record despite Frenkie de Jong receiving a late red card.

After Raphinha gave Barcelona an early lead, Vinícius Júnior restored parity for Madrid with a brilliant solo effort, igniting a breathless conclusion to the opening half in Jeddah.

Lewandowski soon restored Barcelona’s advantage with a delicate chip, but Gonzalo García equalized deep into first-half stoppage time, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

The contest was ultimately settled by Raphinha’s deflected strike in the 73rd minute, handing Hansi Flick’s side the fourth trophy of his tenure.

Madrid coach Xabi Alonso chose to start French superstar Kylian Mbappé on the bench following a knee sprain that had sidelined him for the semifinal victory against Atlético.

Hansi Flick, who had masterminded four Clásico wins over Madrid the previous season, selected Lewandowski as the central striker ahead of Ferran Torres and reinstated teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the right flank.

The match began scrappily under the warm Saudi evening sky. Barcelona dominated possession while Real Madrid adopted a deep, compact shape, waiting for opportunities to release Vinícius Júnior on the break.

The Brazilian forward, who had gone 16 matches without a goal, posed constant danger, racing down the left and drawing the first save from Joan García.

Raphinha also tracked back diligently, making a crucial sliding challenge to halt his compatriot’s advance.

Barcelona gradually increased the pressure, and Raphinha eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.

Moments after squandering a promising chance by dragging an effort wide, he redeemed himself with a precise, low drive from the edge of the box that beat Thibaut Courtois at the near post.

Madrid responded swiftly with a moment of individual brilliance from Vinícius, who drifted inside, nutmegged Jules Koundé and slotted the ball past García.

Four minutes into first-half added time, Barcelona regained the lead when Pedri threaded a pass to Lewandowski, who lifted a composed finish over the advancing goalkeeper.

Yet Madrid struck back almost immediately before the interval: Dean Huijsen’s header struck the crossbar, and Gonzalo García reacted quickest to volley home the rebound while falling.

A Calmer Second Period

The second half unfolded at a noticeably slower tempo, with clear-cut opportunities becoming scarce.

García denied Rodrygo Goes with a low save, while Courtois pushed away a powerful Yamal attempt.

As Mbappé prepared to enter from the bench, Barcelona edged ahead once more. Raphinha unleashed a long-range effort that took a decisive deflection off Raúl Asencio, wrong-footing Courtois completely.

The Brazilian winger continues in exceptional form, now having scored seven goals across his last five appearances in all competitions.

Alonso introduced Mbappé for the final quarter-hour, hoping to snatch a third goal and force extra time or penalties.

Although the French forward struggled to find space, De Jong was dismissed late on for a reckless high challenge on him.

Even with the man advantage, Madrid could not capitalize. Barcelona nearly sealed the win in stoppage time when Marcus Rashford through on goal dragged his finish wide.

Asencio had one final chance to equalize in the dying moments, but his header was straight at García.

Remarkably, each of the last four Spanish Super Cup winners has gone on to lift the La Liga title. Barcelona will now hope this latest success lays the foundation for another triumphant campaign.

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