In a night to remember, Barcelona delivered a stunning comeback to defeat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.

Despite conceding an early goal, Barça showcased their attacking prowess with four first-half strikes and demonstrated resilience after being reduced to 10 men, securing a record-extending 15th Super Cup title.

The highly anticipated clash, held in Saudi Arabia, saw Barcelona claim their first silverware of the 2024/25 season, further solidifying their dominance in the competition. With this win, the Catalan giants continue to lead their eternal rivals in Spanish Super Cup triumphs, cementing their place as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

Barcelona’s road to glory began with a convincing 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in the semifinals. However, the final was a much more thrilling encounter. Under the guidance of head coach Xavi Hernández, Barça lifted the trophy for the first time since the 2022/23 season, when they also defeated Real Madrid. It was a sweet moment for Xavi and his team, especially after losing to Madrid in last year’s final.

The match kicked off in dramatic fashion, with Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé opening the scoring in the fifth minute. The French forward displayed his trademark pace and composure, dribbling from the halfway line before slotting a precise shot inside the far post. For a moment, it seemed Madrid might dominate, but Barcelona quickly turned the game around. Barça responded emphatically, with Lamine Yamal leveling the score and Robert Lewandowski putting them ahead shortly after. Raphinha added a third, and Alejandro Balde capped off a scintillating first half with a fourth goal.

Madrid’s defense struggled to cope with Barça’s relentless attacking waves, and their lack of control in midfield left them exposed. In the second half, Raphinha struck again to make it 5-1, cementing Barcelona’s dominance. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Barça goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in the 56th minute for a foul on Mbappé. Substitute keeper Iñaki Peña stepped in but was beaten by a well-taken free kick from Rodrygo, giving Madrid a glimmer of hope.

Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona managed the remainder of the game effectively, denying Madrid any chance of a comeback. The victory also prevented Real Madrid from claiming their third trophy of the season, following their European Super Cup win over Atalanta and their Intercontinental Cup triumph against Pachuca last month.

This final marked the third consecutive time Barcelona and Real Madrid met in the Spanish Super Cup final. While Madrid emerged victorious last year, Barcelona now holds the edge with two wins in these recent encounters. Barcelona’s history in the competition stretches back to their first Super Cup triumph in 1983/84. Since then, they have claimed titles in 1991/92, 1992/93, 1994/95, 1996/97, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19, 2022/23, and now 2024/25.

This resounding victory not only adds another chapter to Barcelona’s storied legacy but also sets the tone for their aspirations this season. Xavi Hernández, who has consistently emphasised the importance of building a winning mentality, will be pleased with his team’s character and performance.

For Real Madrid, the defeat is a setback, but their quality and depth ensure they remain formidable contenders in all competitions. With both teams poised to battle for domestic and European supremacy, this latest El Clásico has only heightened the excitement for what lies ahead in the season. Barcelona’s triumph is a testament to their resilience, tactical intelligence, and ability to perform on the big stage.

As the dust settles on this remarkable victory, fans of both clubs eagerly anticipate the next chapter in one of football’s most iconic rivalries.