Raphinha Ruins Real Again! Barcelona Sink Madrid In 3-2 Thriller To Retain Super Cup Crown

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 07:23 IST

Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 in Jeddah to win a record 16th Spanish Super Cup, with Raphinha scoring twice and Lewandowski on target.

Barcelona's Raphinha was the difference maker yet again against Real Madrid (X)

Barcelona held their nerve in a breathless Clasico to retain the Spanish Super Cup, edging Real Madrid 3-2 in Saudi Arabia on Sunday as Raphinha once again proved decisive on the big stage.

The Brazilian winger struck twice, with Robert Lewandowski also on target, as Barca claimed a record-extending 16th Super Cup and the fourth trophy under Hansi Flick. Frenkie de Jong’s late red card and a nervy finish did little to dull the celebrations in Jeddah.

Raphinha broke the deadlock after 36 minutes, drilling a low finish across Thibaut Courtois after earlier wasting a gilt-edged chance.

Madrid responded almost immediately through Vinicius Junior, who glided in from the left, nutmegged Jules Kounde and slotted home a superb equaliser.

The first half refused to slow down.

Lewandowski restored Barca’s lead in stoppage time with a delicate chip, only for Gonzalo Garcia to strike back seconds later, finishing while falling after Dean Huijsen’s header rebounded off the bar. At 2-2, the final was finely poised.

The decisive moment arrived after 73 minutes. Raphinha unleashed a shot from distance, deflected wickedly off Raul Asencio and beyond Courtois, underlining his red-hot form — seven goals in his last five games.

Xabi Alonso threw on Kylian Mbappe for the closing stages, but the Frenchman, still short of full fitness, found little joy. De Jong was sent off for a rash challenge on Mbappe, yet Barca still looked the likelier winners, with Marcus Rashford missing a late one-on-one.

Madrid’s five-game winning run ended, while questions linger around Alonso, still chasing his first trophy. Barcelona, meanwhile, march on — Super Cup secured, Clasico conquered, and momentum firmly on their side.

(with AFP inputs)

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