Barcelona wins first trophy in two years against a pale Real Madrid

(Patria) - The Spanish Super Cup has been played since 1982, and since 2020 in a new format with four teams. The Super Cup final brought us the second El Clasico of the season. In the semi-finals, Real eliminated Mallorca, and Barcelona eliminated Athletic Bilbao. Barcelona dominated Real and celebrated with a 2:5 result.

First half:

Real took an early lead in the 5th minute when Mbappe broke through Barcelona's defense and scored precisely. In the 15th minute, Mbappe had injury problems but continued the match.

Barcelona soon took the initiative, but the excellent Courtois stopped great chances from Raphinha and Yamal. Barcelona equalized in the 22nd minute with a fantastic goal by Yamal, who dribbled past several players and beat Courtois.

A major problem for Barcelona occurred in the 28th minute when defender Inigo Martinez left the game due to injury, replaced by Araujo.

In the 36th minute, a penalty was awarded to Barcelona after VAR confirmed a foul by Camavinga on Gavi, and Lewandowski was a sure finisher for 2:1.

Just a few minutes later, Raphinha scored a header for 3:1. Towards the end of the half, Balde executed a fast counter-attack in the 10th minute of stoppage time for 4:1. Despite Barcelona's big lead, Courtois remained one of Real's brightest points with his excellent saves.

The first half ended with a high 4:1 for Barcelona, who turned the result around after Real's early lead.

Second half:

In the second half of the match, Real Madrid had a chance in the 47th minute when Rodrygo took a great volley but hit the crossbar. Barcelona responded quickly, in the 48th minute, Raphinha ran a counter-attack and scored for 5:1.

Szczesny was sent off in the 57th minute after fouling Mbappe on the edge of the penalty area. In the 60th minute, Rodrygo scored a great goal from a free kick, with which Real tried to get back into the game.

In the 77th minute, referee Manzano showed several yellow cards, cautioning Lewandowski and Asencio. In the 79th minute, new problems for the Catalans, Raphinha got injured and was replaced by Torres.

In the 83rd minute, Asencio caught a volley after a free kick, but it went far over Barcelona's goal. Rodrygo had a free kick attempt in the 88th minute but did not seriously threaten Barcelona's goal. In stoppage time, Mbappe had a great chance, but Barcelona's goalkeeper, Pena, made an excellent save.

In the end, we can say a deserved victory for Barcelona, who decided the match already in the first half. Barcelona had 14 trophies until this year, and Real Madrid 13, so this was the 15th time Barca won this competition.