Raphinha Shines as Barcelona Beat Real Madrid 3-2 to Win 2026 Spanish Super Cup
In a pulsating El Clásico final that lived up to its immense billing, Raphinha produced a match-winning performance as FC Barcelona edged arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 to lift the 2026 Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah. The thrilling contest at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium showcased attacking flair, late drama and intense rivalry, giving fans another unforgettable chapter in one of football’s greatest fixtures.
From the outset, Barcelona asserted control through possession, applying sustained pressure on Real Madrid’s defence. The approach paid dividends in the 36th minute when Raphinha burst into the box and finished clinically, driving a low shot beyond goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The opener stemmed from incisive build-up play by Hansi Flick ’s side and set the tone for a breathless first half of the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid responded with renewed intensity. In first-half stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior delivered a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past defenders before slotting home the equaliser to reignite Madrid’s hopes. Barcelona, however, struck back almost immediately as Robert Lewandowski restored the lead with a deft chip, exploiting a rare gap in Madrid’s backline just before the break. The drama continued when Gonzalo García pounced on a rebound to level the score once again, sending both teams into the interval locked at 2-2.
The second half began at a more measured pace as both sides regrouped tactically, with clear chances initially hard to come by. The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Raphinha once again rose to the occasion. Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, his effort took a deflection off a defender and wrong-footed Courtois, nestling into the net to give Barcelona the lead for the third time. The goal proved decisive and underlined Raphinha’s growing reputation as a big-match performer in El Clásico clashes.
Late drama followed as Barcelona were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Frenkie de Jong was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Kylian Mbappé, handing Real Madrid a numerical advantage. The defending champions pressed relentlessly, with close efforts from Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono testing Barca’s resolve in the closing minutes. However, Barcelona’s defence stood firm, and goalkeeper Joan García produced crucial saves to preserve the narrow lead.
The victory marks Barcelona’s 16th Spanish Super Cup title and continues their impressive run under Hansi Flick. It also highlighted the fine margins that define modern El Clásico encounters, with both sides showcasing attacking quality, tactical depth and moments of individual brilliance. While the defeat will sting for Real Madrid, their performance confirmed they remain a formidable force in Spanish football heading into the rest of the season.
From the outset, Barcelona asserted control through possession, applying sustained pressure on Real Madrid’s defence. The approach paid dividends in the 36th minute when Raphinha burst into the box and finished clinically, driving a low shot beyond goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The opener stemmed from incisive build-up play by Hansi Flick ’s side and set the tone for a breathless first half of the Spanish Super Cup final.
Real Madrid responded with renewed intensity. In first-half stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior delivered a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past defenders before slotting home the equaliser to reignite Madrid’s hopes. Barcelona, however, struck back almost immediately as Robert Lewandowski restored the lead with a deft chip, exploiting a rare gap in Madrid’s backline just before the break. The drama continued when Gonzalo García pounced on a rebound to level the score once again, sending both teams into the interval locked at 2-2.
The second half began at a more measured pace as both sides regrouped tactically, with clear chances initially hard to come by. The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Raphinha once again rose to the occasion. Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, his effort took a deflection off a defender and wrong-footed Courtois, nestling into the net to give Barcelona the lead for the third time. The goal proved decisive and underlined Raphinha’s growing reputation as a big-match performer in El Clásico clashes.
Late drama followed as Barcelona were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Frenkie de Jong was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Kylian Mbappé, handing Real Madrid a numerical advantage. The defending champions pressed relentlessly, with close efforts from Álvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono testing Barca’s resolve in the closing minutes. However, Barcelona’s defence stood firm, and goalkeeper Joan García produced crucial saves to preserve the narrow lead.
The victory marks Barcelona’s 16th Spanish Super Cup title and continues their impressive run under Hansi Flick. It also highlighted the fine margins that define modern El Clásico encounters, with both sides showcasing attacking quality, tactical depth and moments of individual brilliance. While the defeat will sting for Real Madrid, their performance confirmed they remain a formidable force in Spanish football heading into the rest of the season.
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