“Final specialist” Hansi Flick led FC Barcelona to their next title. The champions defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid 3-2 (2-2) in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, ensuring that Flick’s remarkable streak continued. The former national coach also won his eighth final as a coach.
Raphinha (36th, 73rd) and Robert Lewandowski (45th + 4) secured victory in the Clásico in Saudi Arabia with their goals. Vinicius Junior (45th+2) and Gonzalo Garcia (45th+6) equalized twice for the Royals. This meant that former Leverkusen champion Xabi Alonso missed out on his first title as Real coach. National player Antonio Rüdiger was missing.
Real pulled back from the start and waited for quick transitions. This resulted in the first chance by Vinicius Junior (15th). Barcelona then dominated the encounter with a lot of possession. Raphinha’s lead was deserved; a minute earlier the Brazilian had missed a great chance.
A crazy injury time followed: After a strong solo, Vinicius Junior equalized. Former Munich player Lewandowski brought the Catalans forward again, but Garcia had the last word in the first half.
Real became more active in the second half, but Raphinha scored a brace. Alonso then brought in the recently injured superstar Kylian Mbappé – without success. Flick’s proud streak continued, even if Frenkie de Jong was shown a red card after a foul on Mbappé in stoppage time.
In the semi-finals, Barca beat Athletic Bilbao 5-0, while Real defeated city rivals Atlético Madrid 2-1.