The desert heat of Saudi Arabia bore witness to a classic as FC Barcelona secured their status as the back-to-back winners of the Spanish Super Cup. In a high-octane final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Hansi Flick’s men edged out Real Madrid in a 3-2 thriller that had everything: a frantic flurry of first-half goals, tactical gambles, and a late red card.
Raphinha: The “Heart” of Hansi Flick’s System
The night belonged to Raphinha, whose evolution under Hansi Flick reached its peak in this final. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the 36th minute and found the decisive winner in the 73rd minute. Flick, visibly emotional during the trophy presentation, didn’t hold back his praise: “Raphinha is our engine, our heart. He never stops running, and tonight, he showed why he is one of the best in the world.”
This brace brings Raphinha’s tally to an impressive level this season, solidifying his role as the untouchable leader of the Blaugrana attack alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
A Hectic First Half: 4 Goals in 10 Minutes
The match exploded into chaos just before halftime. Vinícius Júnior equalized for Madrid in the 45+2nd minute, only for Robert Lewandowski to restore Barça’s lead seconds later (45+4′).
Not to be outdone, young Madrid forward Gonzalo García poked home a rebound in the 45+6th minute to send the teams into the break level at 2-2. It was a tactical rollercoaster that left even Xabi Alonso stunned on the sidelines, as his experimental backline featuring Dean Huijsen struggled to contain Barça’s rapid transitions.
Holding On with Ten Men
The drama continued until the final whistle. Barcelona was forced to play the closing minutes with ten men after Frenkie de Jong received a straight red card in the 90+1st minute for a challenge on Kylian Mbappé.
Real Madrid threw everything forward, including a late appearance by a semi-fit Mbappé, but Barça’s defense—anchored by the rising star Joan García in goal—held firm.
The victory marks Flick’s third trophy since taking over, while questions now mount for Xabi Alonso regarding his conservative tactical choices in big games.
Do you think Raphinha’s recent form makes him the undisputed frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, or is there still room for Mbappé to reclaim his throne?
