Monday, 12 January 2026| dubai | post time 2:02 am
Barca vs Real Madrid matches always deliver drama, and the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah was no exception. In a high-stakes encounter at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, FC Barcelona emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win over their eternal rivals. This victory marks a significant milestone for Hansi Flick’s men, securing their record-extending 16th Super Cup title and their first major trophy of the 2026 season.
For football fans in the UAE who stayed up late to watch the 11:00 PM kick-off, the game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The match was defined by a frantic first half, tactical battles between Flick and Xabi Alonso, and a nail-biting finish that saw Barcelona defending with 10 men in the dying minutes.
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A Chaotic First Half in Jeddah
The Barca vs Real Madrid showdown began with the Catalans dominating the ball, enjoying nearly 75% of possession in the opening half-hour. Despite the control, the deadlock wasn’t broken until the 36th minute when Raphinha calmly finished a brilliant move to make it 1-0.
What followed was one of the most “manic” periods in El Clasico history. During five minutes of stoppage time, the scoreboard changed three times:
- 45+1′: Vinicius Jr. scored a stunning solo goal to level the game at 1-1, ending a 16-game goal drought.
- 45+3′: Robert Lewandowski immediately fired back to restore Barcelona’s lead (2-1).
- 45+6′: Real Madrid’s young sensation Gonzalo García found the net just seconds before the whistle, sending both teams into the tunnel at 2-2.
Raphinha’s Decisive Strike and the Mbappe Card
The second half saw a more tactical approach as both managers searched for the winning edge. The breakthrough in this Barca vs Real Madrid clash came in the 73rd minute. Raphinha unleashed a low effort that took a massive deflection off Madrid defender Raúl Asencio, completely tricking Thibaut Courtois to settle in the net for 3-2.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso responded by bringing on Kylian Mbappé for the final 15 minutes. Mbappé, returning from a knee injury, immediately injected pace into the Madrid attack, forcing the Barcelona defense into desperate blocks.
The 10-Man Stand and Final Whistle
The tension reached its peak in stoppage time when Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on a goal-bound Mbappé. Reduced to 10 men, Barcelona faced a late barrage of corners and shots from the Los Blancos. However, a heroic double-save by goalkeeper Joan García ensured that the Spanish Super Cup 2026 Final trophy headed to Barcelona.
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Key Match Facts: Spanish Super Cup 2026 Final
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah.
- Scoreline: FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid.
- Goal Scorers (Barca): Raphinha (36′, 73′), Robert Lewandowski (45+3′).
- Goal Scorers (Madrid): Vinicius Jr. (45+1′), Gonzalo García (45+6′).
- Red Card: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, 90+1′).
FAQ
- Who won the Barca vs Real Madrid Super Cup Final 2026? FC Barcelona won the match 3-2 to claim the trophy.
- Where was the Spanish Super Cup 2026 Final played? The match took place at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- How many Super Cup titles does Barcelona have now? Barcelona has extended its record to 16 Spanish Super Cup titles.
- Did Kylian Mbappé play in the final? Yes, Mbappé came on as a substitute in the 76th minute after recovering from a knee injury.
- Why was Frenkie de Jong sent off? He received a red card for a professional foul on Kylian Mbappé during stoppage time.
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