Barcelona won the 2026 Spanish Super Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday, extending their winning streak to 10 matches across all competitions.
Brazilian winger Raphinha delivered the standout performance, scoring twice to earn man-of-the-match honors as Hansi Flick’s side secured their first trophy of the season in a pulsating El Clásico final at King Abdullah Sports City.
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Barcelona vs Real Madrid Key Moments
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 37th minute, nutmegging Eduardo Camavinga before firing past Thibaut Courtois. The match exploded into life during first-half stoppage time with four goals in quick succession.
Vinicius Jr equalized for Madrid in the 45+2 minute with a brilliant solo effort, nutmegging Jules Kounde before slotting home. Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead just two minutes later with a delicate chip over Courtois following Pedri’s through ball, only for Gonzalo Garcia to level the scores at 2-2 from a corner rebound in the 45+5 minute.
The winner came in the 73rd minute when Raphinha scored his second of the night. After receiving the ball from Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo’s combination play, his shot deflected off Raul Asencio and into the net.
Barcelona held on despite Frenkie de Jong’s 88th-minute red card for a foul on substitute Kylian Mbappe, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia making crucial late saves to preserve the victory.
The triumph gives Barcelona their record-extending 16th Spanish Super Cup title, two more than Real Madrid’s 13. It marks their first successful title defense since 2011 and reinforces their position as LaLiga leaders with a four-point advantage.
Barcelona have now scored nine goals against Real Madrid this season across all competitions, underlining their dominance in the rivalry under Flick’s attacking system.
Barcelona entered the final on a nine-game winning streak after crushing Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in their semifinal, with Raphinha scoring twice in that match. Real Madrid advanced with a 2-1 semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid thanks to goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo.
Tactical Battle
Hansi Flick’s high-pressing, possession-based approach dominated proceedings as Barcelona controlled the tempo throughout. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso surprisingly deployed a defensive low-block strategy focused on counter-attacks, but his side struggled to impose themselves, particularly in the first half.
What They Said
“I’m very happy to have helped the team to victory,” said Raphinha after the match. “Regardless of individual performances, the most important thing is always the team results. When we are on form, games can become easier, though it’s never easy to play against Athletic or Real Madrid.”
The Numbers
- Raphinha now has five goals and three assists in 11 career appearances against Real Madrid
- Barcelona dominated possession and touch statistics throughout
- The victory secures Barcelona prize money estimated between €10-11 million
- This is Barcelona’s 10th consecutive win across all competitions
What’s Next
Barcelona return to Spain with momentum as they pursue domestic and European glory, while Real Madrid face questions about their tactical approach as they look to close the gap in the LaLiga title race.
The Spanish Super Cup continues to be held in Saudi Arabia under a lucrative agreement running through 2029, with approximately €19.5 million distributed among participating clubs.
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