The King Holds on to His Throne (3–2)

With a trophy on the line and Spain’s two most decorated clubs facing off on the pitch at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah, the stage was set for a classic showdown. FC Barcelona, reigning champions of the competition, arrived at the Supercopa after completing a domestic double—LaLiga and the Copa del Rey—last season. Real Madrid, runners-up in both tournaments, were aiming to reclaim the crown and close the gap to just one title behind their rivals.

More than 1,200 drones and 360-degree projections lit up the stadium, leaving the over 60,000 spectators in awe. The ceremony concluded with the entrance of the 22 players, accompanied by the officiating team, sparking a deafening roar around the Alinma Stadium.

With everything in place, the battle for the first trophy of the season got underway. Barcelona dominated possession in the opening minutes, though without seriously troubling the Madrid defence. Real Madrid, quick to counter after every recovery, registered the first shot on target through Vinícius, but Joan Garcia was equal to it. Soon after, Raphinha tested Courtois at the other end, though the Belgian keeper saved comfortably.

After the half-hour mark, the match ignited. Gonzalo tried his luck for Madrid with a tame effort, while Fermín and Raphinha went close for Barça. In the 36th minute, a midfield recovery by Fermín and a powerful run from Raphinha led to the opening goal, finished by the Brazilian himself.

Barcelona pushed for more, but chances for Fermín and Lamine Yamal went unrewarded. Then, in added time of the first half, a counterattack led by Gonzalo and expertly finished by Vinícius restored parity. The drama was far from over: two minutes later, Lewandowski converted a brilliant Pedri assist, and in the final action before the break, Huijsen struck the post from a corner, with Gonzalo reacting quickest to make it 2–2. José Luis Munuera brought an exhilarating first half to a close.

Lewandowski has now scored in six of the seven Supercopa matches he has played.

The second half began with a more assertive Real Madrid. Vinícius twice tested Joan Garcia, who responded superbly, before Rodrygo forced another fine save from the Barça keeper. Gradually, Barcelona relieved the pressure. Lamine Yamal warned with a close-range effort that Courtois denied, but minutes later the Belgian could do nothing as Raphinha’s shot, deflected off Asencio, made it 3–2. The Brazilian now has six goals in his last three Supercopa matches.

Regaining the lead boosted Hansi Flick’s side. Attempts from Dani Olmo and Rashford went wide, while Real Madrid continued to push. In the closing stages, Frenkie de Jong was sent off for a foul on Kylian Mbappé.

In stoppage time, Álvaro Carreras had the equaliser at his feet, but Joan Garcia blocked his effort from inside the box. In the final minute, Asencio headed a corner from Güler straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

No team had won the Supercopa in back-to-back editions for 15 years.

FC Barcelona lift their 16th Spanish Super Cup, their second in a row. Flick’s side extend their dominance in the competition, defeating their greatest rivals in a thrilling final that went down to the very last moment.

MATCH DETAILS