Barcelona Crush Real Madrid 5-2 to Win Spanish Super Cup

Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Real Madrid 5-2 in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Kylian Mbappe gave Real an early lead with a stunning solo goal, sprinting from midfield before calmly finishing past Wojciech Szczesny. Barcelona responded quickly as 16-year-old Lamine Yamal slotted home Robert Lewandowski’s assist in the 22nd minute. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona then dominated the rest of the first half.

Lewandowski converted a penalty after Gavi was fouled followed by a powerful header from Raphinha just three minutes later. The Brazilian winger also set up Alex Balde, who scored in stoppage time to make it 4-1 before the break. Barça added a fifth early in the second half through Raphinha’s second goal of the night. However, Szczesny’s red card in the 56th minute for a foul on Mbappe gave Real hope.

Rodrygo converted the ensuing free-kick but Real Madrid could not capitalize further and Barça secured their 15th Spanish Super Cup title. This victory marked Hansi Flick’s first trophy with Barcelona and continued his side’s attacking dominance in recent Clasicos including a 4-0 league win at the Bernabéu in October. Despite struggling in La Liga where they trail Real by five points, Barça delivered an emphatic performance against their in-form rivals, who had won five consecutive games before this defeat.

Raphinha now with 19 goals for the season and Lewandowski with 26, were key contributors to Barça’s triumph. For Szczesny, making only his third appearance since coming out of retirement, the red card could impact his role in the team. This marks the third consecutive Super Cup Clasico with Barça winning in 2023 and Real in 2022, showcasing the intense rivalry between these Spanish giants.