The win marked the 100th major trophy in the Catalan giants’ illustrious history.
Eventful first half
Real Madrid initially seized the lead in the 5th minute through Kylian Mbappe, but Barcelona quickly responded. Lewandowski set up 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal for the equalizer in the 22nd minute, before converting a penalty himself just shy of the half-hour mark (36’).
Brazilian winger Raphinha then struck twice (39’, 48’), with Alejandro Balde also finding the net deep into first-half stoppage time (45’+10). By early in the second half, Barcelona were cruising 5-1 ahead.
Szczęsny sent off
Polish goalkeeper Szczęsny, deputizing for Barcelona, was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mbappe outside the penalty area in the 57th minute. Inaki Pena, brought on as a replacement, was beaten by Rodrygo’s free-kick (60’) to make it 5-2.
Despite going down to ten men, the commanding lead proved unassailable. Managed by German coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona comfortably saw out the result to secure their 15th Spanish Super Cup title—an all-time record.
Spanish media hailed the triumph as Barcelona’s 100th major trophy, a total that includes:
- 27 Spanish league titles
- 31 Copa del Rey crowns
- 5 European Cups
- 5 UEFA Super Cups
- 3 Club World Cup victories
This was the second El Clasico of the season. The first, held in Madrid in October, also ended in a resounding Barcelona win, 4-0. With their Super Cup success, the Catalans have reaffirmed their status as Spain’s most decorated club—and perhaps underlined they remain the team to beat this season.
(jh)
Source: PAP