Barcelona clinched the 2026 Spanish Super Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Raphinha's brace proved decisive in a match filled with goals, controversy, and a late red card. The win extends Barcelona's edge in recent El Clasico encounters.
The 2026 Supercopa de Espana final pitted Barcelona against Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on January 11, 2026. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, started strongly, dominating possession with nearly 80 percent in the opening 20 minutes. Their midfield, anchored by Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, controlled the tempo, while Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde threatened down the right flank.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Fermin Lopez intercepted a loose pass and set up Raphinha for a low finish past Thibaut Courtois, making it 1-0. Real Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, equalized in spectacular fashion during first-half stoppage time. Vinicius Junior embarked on a solo run from midfield, slipping past defenders to slot home and level the score at 1-1.
Barcelona responded immediately, with Pedri threading a pass to Robert Lewandowski, who lifted the ball over Courtois for a 2-1 lead in the 45+4th minute. However, from a corner in the 45+5th, Dean Huijsen's header hit the woodwork, Raphinha cleared the rebound onto the bar, and Gonzalo Garcia bundled in the equalizer, sending teams into halftime at 2-2.
The second half began cautiously, but Barcelona regained the lead in the 73rd minute. Raphinha's shot from a loose ball deflected off Raul Asencio, wrongfooting Courtois for the 3-2 scoreline. Tension escalated as Kylian Mbappe, starting on the bench due to a knee injury, entered in the 78th minute. In the 90+5th, De Jong received a red card for a two-footed challenge on Mbappe, leaving Barcelona with ten men.
Real Madrid pushed late, with Courtois up for corners, but Joan Garcia made crucial saves to secure the victory. Barcelona's 15th Super Cup triumph follows their 5-0 semifinal win over Athletic Bilbao, while Real Madrid had edged Atletico Madrid 2-1. This marks Barcelona's fourth win in the last five meetings against Real Madrid across competitions.
