FC Barcelona once again reign supreme in Spain. The Blaugrana claimed their 16th Supercopa de España title after defeating Real Madrid 3–2 in a thrilling final in Jeddah. Raphinha, with a decisive double, was named MVP of the final, while Robert Lewandowski added the third goal to secure another trophy for Hansi Flick’s side.
This was not the one-sided final of previous years. Madrid and Barça traded blows throughout an electric first half that ended level, but the Catalans’ depth, tactical balance, and composure ultimately tipped the scale in their favor. An assist from Dani Olmo to Raphinha in the second half sealed the win and extended Barça’s absolute dominance in the competition, now holding three more titles than their eternal rivals.
Barça set the tone from the opening whistle
Hansi Flick opted for Lewandowski as his number nine, with Lamine Yamal back in his natural position on the right wing. Fermín López and Raphinha alternated between the left and central lanes, allowing Barça to attack with fluidity and width through Koundé and Balde.
Xabi Alonso’s Madrid made some surprising choices, keeping Kylian Mbappé on the bench and starting Gonzalo García up front. The white side conceded possession early, hoping to strike on the counter through Vinicius and Rodrygo. Their first real chance came in the 14th minute, when Vini’s left-footed effort was comfortably stopped by Joan García.
Barça dominated midfield thanks to Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, although clear chances took time to arrive. Raphinha forced Courtois into a strong save with a left-footed strike in the 26th minute, while Lamine Yamal constantly pushed the Madrid defense back with his pace and creativity.
Raphinha strikes first for Barcelona
After the hydration break, the game came to life. Raphinha missed a one-on-one with Courtois, but just minutes later he made amends. Pedri intercepted a loose Madrid pass and delivered a perfect through ball for the Brazilian, who fired low and hard across goal to give Barça a 1–0 lead in the 36th minute.
Barcelona finished the half on top, pressing Madrid back and forcing Courtois into two more saves from Fermín and Yamal. But just when the Blaugrana seemed in control, chaos arrived in added time.
Controversy and drama before halftime
Referee Munuera Montero added three minutes, but play extended to nearly eight. In the 45+7 minute, Vinicius equalized with a brilliant solo goal, beating Koundé and finishing across Joan García.
Barça responded immediately. Pedri threaded a precise pass for Lewandowski, and the Polish striker chipped Courtois to make it 2–1. Yet Madrid refused to go quietly. From a last-minute corner, a deflection off Raphinha led to a rebound that Gonzalo García turned in from close range. The first half ended 2–2 after a wild sequence that had both benches protesting.
Raphinha delivers again as Barça regain control
The second half was far more balanced. Joan García denied both Vinicius and Rodrygo with two spectacular saves, while Raphinha’s free-kick narrowly missed the target. Flick turned to his bench around the 65th minute, introducing Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres for Fermín and Lewandowski.
The changes worked perfectly. Olmo’s movement created new openings, and in the 73rd minute, Raphinha struck again. The Brazilian took advantage of a loose ball at the edge of the box, his low shot deflecting off Asencio and wrong-footing Courtois to make it 3–2 for Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso brought on Mbappé to chase the equalizer, but Madrid looked exhausted and disorganized. Barça, in contrast, managed the game with patience and intelligence.
Barça hold firm to lift another trophy in Arabia
Flick introduced Rashford and Gerard Martín late on to protect the lead. Despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card for a mistimed tackle, Barça’s defense held strong. Joan García capped a magnificent performance with two vital saves against Carreras and Tchouaméni in stoppage time to secure the victory.
When the final whistle blew, the Blaugrana celebrated their third consecutive Supercopa win over Real Madrid and their first trophy of 2026. With ten straight wins in all competitions, Hansi Flick’s project continues to gather momentum and confidence.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, find themselves in turmoil, with Xabi Alonso under pressure and a squad suffering from poor form and injuries.
Bottom line
Barcelona are Super Champions once again. Led by Raphinha’s brilliance, Lewandowski’s precision, and Joan García’s reliability, the Catalans defended their crown and reaffirmed their dominance over Real Madrid in Spain and beyond. With 16 Supercopa titles to their name, Barça remain the undisputed kings of the competition.
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