Barcelona recovered from a spectacular opening goal by Kylian Mbappe and the 56th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to thrash Real Madrid and win the Spanish Super Cup at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City.
Madrid striker Mbappe charged almost half the length of the pitch to score his first goal in the fixture known as El Clasico, but Lamine Yamal equalised 17 minutes later, dashing on to Robert Lewandowski’s clever first-time pass and slotting coolly in after entering the box.
Lewandowski converted a penalty, Raphinha buried an emphatic header from Jules Kounde’s cross and Alejandro Balde completed a brilliant counter-attack as Hansi Flick’s side established a 4-1 half-time lead, with the Brazil winger firing in again three minutes after the break.
When Szczesny was shown a straight red card for denying Mbappe a clear scoring opportunity, midfielder Gavi made way in order for Inaki Pena – who was dropped before Barca’s semi-final for lateness – to come on in goal.
Pena had barely had time to settle before Rodrygo replied for Madrid with a sublime free-kick. It proved only a modest consolation as the reigning European champions’ five-game winning run came to an end and Barca gained stylish revenge for their 4-1 defeat in last season’s final.
The first half, in one image. #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/DVH74c22CX
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 12, 2025
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