Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have successfully retained the Spanish Super Cup with a hard-earned 3-2 victory over Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid in the El Clasico in Saudi Arabia on Sunday 11 January, 2026.
Raphinha netted two (2) times for the reigning Kings of Spain on Sunday night, with Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, also on target as they discomfited the Los Blancos for a record-extending 16th triumph, despite Frenkie de Jong’s red card late.
Winger, Vinicius Junior, levelled for Real Madrid, converting Gonzalo Garcia’s assist, in the 2nd minute of the first half additional time after Raphinha had placed Barca in front in the 36th minute with an assist from Fermín Lopez.
The showdown which held in the city of Jeddah, saw Lewandowski place Barcelona back in front with the second in the 4th minute of first half additional time.
But, G. Garcia levelled again for the Los Blancos to make it 2-2 in the 6th minute of first half additional time.
The battle ended in the 73rd minute after Raphinha scored for the Catalans as Barca carted home their fourth trophy of coach Hansi Flick’s reign.
Alonso kicked off with French forward, Kylian Mbappe, on the bench after missing in action in the semi final victory against Atletico Madrid due to knee sprain.
Former Bayern Munich manager, Flick, who guided Barcelona to four (4) El Clasico victories over Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season, chose to field Lewandowski up in front ahead of Ferran Torres and used teenage star, Lamine Yamal, on the right wing.
While Barcelona were busy keeping the ball and mounting pressure in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid were sitting deep and resisting.
Brazil international, Vinicius, had not found the back of the net in sixteen (16) matches, but, posed a strong threat, and launched an effort that forced Joan Garcia to make a save.
The second 45 minutes was a softer affair as both sides slowed down and fewer goal chances were recorded; Garcia saved Rodrygo’s low effort and Thibaut Courtois saved a strike from Yamal.
Raphinha’s goals in Jeddah made it seven (7) in five (5) matches across all competitions.
Alonso, former Bayer Leverkusen manager, unleashed Mbappe with fifteen (15) minutes remaining, with the mission to find a leveller and force the game into penalty shootout.
Mbappe’s introduction made no impact as he was unable to help his side, however, Barca’s Dutch midfielder, De Jong, was sent off after being shown a straight red card in the 1st minute of additional time.
Ascensio’s effort would have brought parity to the clash late, but, his heading went straight to goalie Garcia.
For his fine contribution to Barca’s victory in Saudi Arabia, Raphinha won the Most Valuable Player (MBP) award.
The Spanish Super Cup is Barcelona’s first title of the 2025/26 season.
Photos: X/FC Barcelona
