Barcelona produced a stunning comeback to defeat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night.
Kylian Mbappe’s sensational solo goal gave Real Madrid the lead, but Barcelona responded with five goals, including a double from Raphinha.
“We showed great character and team spirit to come back from a goal down. We took our chances well and deserved the win,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said.
Lamine Yamal equalized for Barcelona in the 22nd minute, and Robert Lewandowski put them ahead with a penalty.
Raphinha then scored twice, including a bullet header, and Alex Balde added a fourth goal in stoppage time.
Barcelona’s dominance continued in the second half, with Raphinha scoring his second goal. However, the match took a dramatic turn when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for a foul on Mbappe outside the box.
Rodrygo curled the resulting free-kick past replacement keeper Inaki Pena, but Real Madrid’s comeback was short-lived.
Barcelona held on to claim their 15th Spanish Super Cup title.
“We’re disappointed with the result, but we have to move on. We had our chances, but we couldn’t capitalize on them,” Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.
The win marked Hansi Flick’s first trophy since joining Barcelona, and it was a sweet victory against their arch-rivals. (BBC)



