A Clasico never understands favorites, but in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) it was FC Barcelona that ended up imposing its hierarchy. With a stellar performance from Raphinha, who scored twice, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 to lift their 16th Spanish Super Cup, in a match marked by Xabi Alonso's defensive strategy and Real Madrid's resistance, which ultimately crumbled.

Xabi Alonso opts for defense and Barca dominates possession

Aware of his team's current form, Xabi Alonso returned to his more interventionist approach. The Real Madrid coach surprised everyone with a five-man defense, a conservative approach reminiscent of old-school defensive clashes, but one that failed to contain Barca's attacking talent.

Barcelona, ????the overwhelming favorite after thrashing Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, took control of the ball from the outset. Pedri was the creative beacon, connecting the lines and providing the necessary pause to activate Lewandowski and Raphinha, who had already threatened before halftime.

Raphinha breaks the script and puts Barcelona ahead

After missing a clear chance against Courtois in the 35th minute, Raphinha made no mistake a minute later. With his left foot, he crossed the ball past the Belgian goalkeeper and put Barca ahead, dismantling the defensive plan designed by Three minutes stretched to seven and a half and produced three goals. The first goal came from Vinicius Junior, who broke his 16-game scoring drought with a trademark move. The Brazilian took on his man, beat his defender, and finished powerfully to equalize and restore faith to the Whites. It was the decisive Vinicius, the one who was once a Ballon d'Or contender. Pedri and Lewandowski strike again. The Madrid fans' joy was short-lived. The magic of Pedri, one of the most applauded players in Saudi Arabia,He appeared again.His subtle touch set up Lewandowski, who didn't miss to restore Barcelona's lead and punish a Real Madrid side that was resisting but continuing to absorb blows.

Gonzalo responds and the Clasico is balanced

Xabi Alonso's plan paid off thanks to Gonzalo Garcia, who perfectly executed his hybrid role. From a corner, after Huijsen's shot hit the crossbar, Gonzalo fought for the rebound and, from the ground, scored the 2-2 equalizer with the help of the post.

The game then entered a more controlled phase, with Real Madrid well-organized at the back and Barca looking for spaces with less clarity.

Raphinha delivers the decisive blow

When the match seemed to be heading towards extra time and Kylian Mbappe was preparing to come on, Raphinha appeared again. The Brazilian scored his second goal after a fortuitous shot that grazed Asensio and wrong-footed Courtois. That goal was the final blow for a Real Madrid side that lacked energy in the final minutes, although added time offered some unexpected opportunities.