In a stunning display of dominance, Barcelona came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 5-2 in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. The victory, marked by a masterclass in the first half, secured Barcelona their record-extending 15th Super Cup title and their first trophy in over a year.
Held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the final saw goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Alejandro Balde all before halftime, with Raphinha adding another in the second half. Real Madrid’s efforts included an early strike by Kylian Mbappé and a second-half free-kick goal from Rodrygo, but they were unable to prevent Barcelona from claiming a resounding victory.
Early Shock and Barça’s Response
Real Madrid struck first, with Kylian Mbappé showcasing his brilliance in the fifth minute. The French forward sprinted from midfield and delivered a clinical finish into the far corner, giving Madrid an early advantage. However, Barcelona quickly found their rhythm.
In the 22nd minute, rising star Lamine Yamal equalized with a composed finish, sparking a wave of Barcelona attacks. Just 14 minutes later, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty following Eduardo Camavinga’s foul on Gavi, putting Barça ahead.
Barcelona extended their lead in the 39th minute when Raphinha connected with a stunning header from a pinpoint cross by Jules Koundé. As the first half neared its conclusion, Alejandro Balde added a fourth, capitalizing on a brilliant counter-attack initiated by Yamal.
Second-Half Drama
Madrid began the second half with renewed determination, nearly scoring when Rodrygo struck the crossbar. However, any hope of a comeback was dashed in the 48th minute when Raphinha weaved through Madrid’s defense to score his second goal, making it 5-1.
Barcelona’s momentum was briefly halted in the 56th minute when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for a foul on Mbappé. Substitute keeper Iñaki Peña stepped in, but Rodrygo converted the resulting free kick to narrow the deficit.
Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona maintained control, with their defense neutralizing Madrid’s attempts to claw back into the game. Peña delivered a crucial save in stoppage time to deny Mbappé, sealing Barcelona’s emphatic win.
Coaches Reflect on the Match
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick praised his team’s determination and execution. “This victory is a testament to our hard work and team spirit,” Flick said. “We capitalized on Madrid’s mistakes and controlled the game from start to finish. Winning trophies is what defines clubs like Barça, and we’ve set the standard again.”
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti lamented his team’s first-half performance. “We didn’t play our game,” Ancelotti admitted. “The long balls and lack of structure cost us dearly. Losing is part of football, but we must never lose in such a manner.”
A Clásico for the Ages
This victory marked Barcelona’s second Super Cup triumph in three years, breaking Real Madrid’s streak of success after they secured the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup earlier in the season. The final also continued the trend of Clásico showdowns, with Madrid defeating Barça in last year’s edition while Barcelona claimed the 2023 title.
Both teams showcased their dominance in the semifinals, with Barcelona overcoming Athletic Bilbao 2-0 and Real Madrid cruising past Mallorca 3-0.
Looking Forward
Barcelona’s victory not only reasserts their status among Europe’s elite but also sets the tone for a competitive La Liga title race, where Madrid currently holds a narrow lead. For now, however, the Blaugrana can savor a triumph that underscores their potential under Hansi Flick’s leadership.
As for Madrid, the loss serves as a wake-up call, with Ancelotti’s side determined to regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead. Fans worldwide will eagerly await the next chapter of this storied rivalry.