El Clásico never fails to deliver drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. The Supercopa de España final in Saudi Arabia was no exception, as Barcelona triumphed emphatically over Real Madrid with a commanding 5-2 victory. Just weeks after their 4-1 demolition of their arch-rivals in La Liga, Barcelona proved they have Real Madrid’s number this season, securing their first trophy of 2025 in dominant style.
A Blitzing Start Sets the Tone
The match began with a shock for Barcelona. In just the 5th minute, Kylian Mbappé fired Real Madrid into the lead, a strike that momentarily silenced the Blaugrana faithful. However, rather than rattling them, the goal sparked Barcelona into action. Their response was devastating, with four goals in a blistering first half.
Lamine Yamal, the teenage sensation, drew Barcelona level in the 10th minute, showcasing composure beyond his years. Robert Lewandowski added his name to the scoresheet with a clinical finish in the 18th minute, decisively turning the tide in Barcelona’s favor. By the 27th minute, Raphinha extended the lead with a brilliant solo effort, and Alejandro Balde capped off the first-half rout in the 39th minute, making it 4-1 before the break.
Second-Half Resilience Despite Adversity
Barcelona began the second half with the same intensity, and Raphinha added his second of the night in the 48th minute, giving the Catalans an unassailable 5-1 lead. However, the game took an unexpected turn when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny received a straight red card in the 56th minute for a reckless challenge outside the box.
Down to 10 men, Barcelona had to adjust their strategy, prioritizing defensive solidity.
Real Madrid capitalized briefly on the numerical advantage as Rodrygo curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner in the 62nd minute, reducing the deficit to 5-2. Despite the goal, Barcelona’s compact defensive shape thwarted Madrid’s attempts to mount a comeback, with Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen delivering masterful performances at the back.
Hansi Flick: The Man for Finals
Hansi Flick has once again underlined his reputation as a master tactician in finals. This victory marked his seventh final as Barcelona manager, and he has now won them all. His ability to inspire his players to deliver on the grandest stages has been key to Barcelona’s resurgence under his leadership.
Real Madrid’s Forgettable Night
While Barcelona thrived, Real Madrid struggled to find rhythm or composure. Star players like Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappé were uncharacteristically subdued. The team’s lack of defensive organization and midfield control exposed them to Barcelona’s relentless attack, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with much to ponder.
Barcelona’s Code for Success
This emphatic victory underscores Barcelona’s dominance in El Clásico encounters this season. Despite inconsistent results in recent weeks, they’ve consistently risen to the occasion against their fiercest rivals. Their ability to exploit Real Madrid’s defensive frailties and their clinical finishing has been pivotal.
Conclusion
Barcelona’s 5-2 triumph in the Supercopa final is a statement win that reaffirms their superiority over Real Madrid this season. With young stars like Lamine Yamal stepping up and experienced leaders like Lewandowski and Raphinha delivering, the future looks bright for the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Real Madrid must regroup quickly to address their shortcomings as the season progresses.
For now, Barcelona celebrates another trophy, solidifying their place at the pinnacle of Spanish football. The El Clásico rivalry continues to thrill, but this season, it’s Barcelona who have the upper hand.