Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday, Jan. 11, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, surviving a frantic finish to claim silverware once more. Raphinha delivered the decisive blow in the second half, capping a dramatic Clasico that swung wildly until the final whistle.

The win confirmed Barcelona’s grip on the Super Cup and extended their dominance over Madrid in knockout finals, withstanding late pressure even after being reduced to 10 men.

Raphinha delivers under pressure

Barcelona struck first through Raphinha after gradually forcing Madrid deeper into their own half. The Brazilian’s low finish rewarded Barca’s growing control after an otherwise cautious opening stretch.

Missed chances nearly proved costly as Madrid struck back just before halftime through Vinicius Junior, whose solo effort punished Barcelona’s wastefulness. The response was immediate, however, with Robert Lewandowski restoring Barca’s lead seconds later following a precise assist from Pedri.

Madrid thought they had leveled again before the break, only for play to continue and Barcelona to escape further damage. The momentum remained fragile, with both sides sensing the match could tip either way.

Late drama seals the title

The second half opened with Madrid pushing forward, forcing multiple saves from Joan Garcia as Vinicius and Rodrygo searched for another equalizer. Barcelona absorbed the pressure before Raphinha struck again in the 73rd minute, his shot deflecting just enough to wrong-foot Thibaut Courtois.

The closing minutes were chaotic. Frenkie de Jong was sent off for a high challenge, giving Madrid numerical advantage and renewed belief. Chances fell to Alvaro Carreras and Aurelien Tchouameni, but both failed to beat Garcia as Barcelona defended desperately.

When the final whistle arrived, Barcelona celebrated a tense but deserved victory, holding off Madrid’s late surge to successfully defend the Spanish Super Cup crown. [Xinhua]