Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Spanish Super Cup final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, January 12, 2026. Raphinha scored twice, with Robert Lewandowski adding another goal, securing Barcelona’s record-extending 16th Super Cup title. The match, a highly anticipated Clásico, saw a late red card for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong but ultimately ended in a Catalan victory.
The win marks Hansi Flick’s fourth trophy as Barcelona manager and provides a significant boost as the team continues its La Liga campaign. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, saw a promising start hampered by defensive errors and an inability to capitalize on their late numerical advantage. The game was played at the King Abdullah Stadium, attracting a global audience eager to witness the rivalry.
Barcelona Claims 2026 Spanish Super Cup Title
The match began as a tactical battle, with Real Madrid opting for a more defensive approach, attempting to exploit Barcelona’s vulnerabilities on the counterattack. Barcelona dominated possession early on, but struggled to break down a resilient Madrid defense. Vinicius Junior proved a constant threat for Real Madrid, forcing early saves from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a low strike, giving Barcelona the lead. However, Vinicius Junior quickly responded with a skillful individual goal, leveling the score. Lewandowski then restored Barcelona’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, only for Gonzalo Garcia to equalize almost immediately, sending the teams into halftime tied at 2-2.
Key Moments and Tactical Shifts
The second half saw a decrease in tempo, with both teams seemingly conserving energy. Chances were limited, and both goalkeepers were called upon to make crucial saves. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso introduced Kylian Mbappe in the 75th minute, hoping to inject fresh energy and creativity into his attack.
However, it was Raphinha who proved decisive, scoring the winning goal in the 73rd minute with a deflected shot. The goal, his seventh in his last five matches, proved too much for Real Madrid to overcome. De Jong’s late red card added to the drama, but Barcelona held on to secure the victory despite being a man down.
The introduction of Mbappe, despite his recent knee sprain, signaled Alonso’s intent to push for a late equalizer. However, Barcelona’s defense remained resolute, limiting Mbappe’s opportunities and frustrating Real Madrid’s attacking efforts. The Clásico rivalry was on full display, with both teams demonstrating a fierce determination to win.
This victory continues Barcelona’s strong form under Hansi Flick, building momentum for their title defense in La Liga. The Spanish Super Cup has often served as a precursor to league success, with the last four winners going on to claim the La Liga title. Barcelona will be hoping to follow this trend.
Looking ahead, Barcelona returns to domestic competition, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the La Liga standings. Real Madrid will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities as they also continue their league campaign. The impact of Mbappe’s integration into the squad will be a key factor for Real Madrid’s success in the coming months, as will Alonso’s ability to find a consistent attacking formula. The remainder of the season promises to be a closely contested battle for both Spanish giants.
