Real Madrid Humiliated in the Final! Barcelona Scores Five and Prevails Even with 10 Men

It began with a stunning goal by Mbappé and ended in disaster for Madrid. The Spanish Super Cup heads to Catalonia!

Hans-Dieter Flick claimed another dominant El Clásico victory following his team’s 4-0 La Liga triumph over Real Madrid in October. Barcelona secured their 15th Spanish Super Cup, while Madrid missed the chance to equal the record for the most titles in the competition, remaining at 13.

Pre-Match Highlights

The key headlines before kickoff were Szczęsny starting in goal for Barcelona and Olmo being on the bench. It seemed Barça's Peña had missed his opportunity to win the trophy on the field, as Flick again trusted the experienced Polish goalkeeper for the final.

First-Half Fireworks

This El Clásico began with an electrifying start. Barcelona dominated possession, creating chance after chance. Courtois made two phenomenal saves within the first four minutes, denying Yamal and Raphinha. The latter's close-range header, courtesy of a poorly positioned Lucas Vázquez, highlighted Real Madrid’s defensive frailties on the right.

Despite Barça’s dominance, Real scored first. Mbappé capitalized on a counterattack, showcasing his brilliant individual skill to beat Baldé and slot the ball past Szczęsny. The French forward appeared unstoppable, but an unfortunate slip later forced him to seek medical attention twice. Though Ancelotti prepared a substitution, Mbappé managed to continue.

Flick, however, had to make a first-half substitution, replacing the injured Martínez with Araújo. By then, the score was 1-1, thanks to Yamal’s response to Mbappé’s opener. The young winger turned Tchouaméni into a mere bystander, cutting inside to fire a low shot past Courtois following a beautiful buildup involving Koundé and Lewandowski.

Real Madrid could have regained the lead from consecutive corners, but Szczęsny and Lewandowski combined to keep the ball out. The turning point came when Camavinga fouled Gavi in the box, a penalty awarded after a VAR review. Lewandowski converted flawlessly, putting Barça ahead.

Minutes later, another diagonal ball from Koundé exposed Madrid’s weak defense, with Raphinha heading home quickly. Ancelotti, visibly frustrated, watched as his players struggled to keep up.

By halftime, Barça had outplayed Real, with four goals already scored in a repeat of last year’s final—but with the roles reversed. This time, it was Flick’s team in control.

Second-Half Domination

Real Madrid opened the second half with intent, and Rodrigo hit the post in their first dangerous attack. Yet, just a minute later, Barça made it 5-1. Tchouaméni failed to stop Raphinha, who danced past defenders to score his second goal of the night.

Ancelotti attempted to shore up his defense, replacing Vázquez with the more defensive Asensio. Meanwhile, Barça suffered a blow as Szczęsny was sent off for fouling Mbappé outside the box. VAR confirmed the foul, and Peña replaced the dismissed goalkeeper. Despite conceding a direct free kick from Rodrigo, Barça’s lead remained secure.

Real Madrid’s hopes of a comeback faded quickly. Even with Barcelona down to 10 men, the Catalans maintained their composure, breaking Madrid’s rhythm and defending resolutely. Flick’s side celebrated their first trophy under the German coach, a historic and emphatic victory over their biggest rivals.

Published by Patrick Jane
13.01.2025