FC Barcelona claimed the 2026 Spanish Super Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the final played on January 11 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The Catalan club extended its record haul in the competition with their 16th Super Cup title in a match that delivered high drama from start to finish.
The final was another chapter in the storied El Clásico rivalry, and it lived up to expectations. Brazilian winger Raphinha was the standout performer, scoring twice, including the decisive winner in the 73rd minute. Spain international Robert Lewandowski also scored for Barcelona, while Real Madrid’s goals came from Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García.
The match began with Barcelona taking the lead through Raphinha, only for Real Madrid to respond in stoppage time of the first half with a goal from Vinícius. Minutes later, Barcelona regained the advantage through Lewandowski, but Madrid equalised again just before halftime through García.
The winning goal came early in the second half when Raphinha’s shot deflected off a Madrid defender and beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The tense final stages saw chances at both ends, but Barcelona held on for the win.
Barcelona’s victory marks a successful defence of their Super Cup title, having also won the competition in recent years. Their latest triumph adds to an already impressive record, with the club now holding more Super Cup wins than any other Spanish club.
The win also continued a strong start to the 2025-26 season for Barcelona. The team had earlier reached the Super Cup final by defeating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the semifinals in a commanding performance that showcased their depth and attacking quality.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his players after the match, highlighting their resilience and collective effort. Flick noted that the team played with confidence and controlled key moments of the match, while also applauding Raphinha’s influence in such a high-stakes encounter.
For Real Madrid, the loss will be disappointing, but their performance underlined the intense competition between Spain’s two greatest clubs. Madrid posed a constant threat, and the match featured moments of fine individual skill, particularly from Vinícius, whose goal injected energy back into his side at a critical moment.
The Spanish Super Cup’s presence in Saudi Arabia for the second year running highlights the growing global appeal of Spanish football, as well as the Kingdom’s role as a host for major international sporting events. Fans packed the stadium in Jeddah, creating a vibrant atmosphere befitting one of world football’s biggest fixtures.
Barcelona now turn their attention back to domestic and European competitions as they look to build on this early silverware. The club’s Super Cup success adds momentum as they pursue further honours in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League later this season.
