Real Madrid gave their arch-rivals FC Barcelona no chance in the final of the Spanish Football Super Cup and secured their first title of the year.
The royal team around German national player Antonio Rüdiger and former world champion Toni Kroos prevailed 4-1 (3-1) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday evening (January 14, 2024).
For the clearly inferior Barcelona with national team captain Ilkay Gündogan, a goal from former Bundesliga striker Robert Lewandowski was not enough (33rd minute).
Three goals from Vinicius Junior
The game was decided by the outstanding Brazilian Vinicius Junior, who scored three times for the capital club before the break (8th/10th/39th/foul penalty). His compatriot Rodrygo even added the fourth goal (64th).
After a yellow-red card for Barça’s Ronald Araujo (71st), who was also considered a transfer candidate at FC Bayern, the Catalans ended the very emotional game with constant nicks and pack formations, also outnumbered.
Now only 13:14 after Supercup titles
For Real it was the 13th triumph in the Spanish Super Cup. Barça, who prevailed in the final against the Madrilenians in the 2023 final, remains the record winner with 14 titles.
The Royals are also on course for the title in the league. Although coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team is currently second behind the surprise team FC Girona, they have played one less game and are one point behind. In the Champions League round of 16, Real will face Bundesliga team RB Leipzig, while in the cup the opponent will be Atlético Madrid in the round of 16.