Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup for the first time since the competition was revamped and moved to Saudi Arabia with a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid.
Robert Lewandowski, Gavi and Pedri scored a goal each at King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on Sunday to give Barcelona its first Super Cup trophy since 2018, and the first since the tournament’s Final-Four format began in 2020 in a lucrative deal for the Spanish football federation.
It was also Barcelona’s first title since former player Xavi took over as the team’s coach in 2021, and since Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain.
Gavi opened the scoring in the 33rd minute from close range after a pass by Lewandowski, who doubled the lead after an assist by Gavi in a breakaway just before the end of the first half.
Gavi also set up Pedri’s close-range goal in another breakaway in the 69th.
Karim Benzema scored a consolation for Madrid late in stoppage time.
This was Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s first defeat in a final since 2014.
Barcelona have now won the Super Cup a record 14 times. Madrid have 12 to their name.
“We knew it was a chance we had to take, we have lived through an era of changes at the club and in the dressing room, and this will reinforce us to keep fighting for more titles,” said Barca captain Sergio Busquets.
“You know how [Gavi] competes, he’s very young. Most players at his age would be in the youth team, and he’s playing at an incredible level, giving assists, getting goals.”
Madrid eliminated Barcelona in last season’s semi-finals, but the Spanish powerhouses had never met in the final of the revamped competition.
The Super Cup used to be played between the Spanish league champion and the Copa del Rey winner. Now the runners-up in both competitions also participate.
Madrid played as the league champion and Barcelona as the league runner-up.
The current contract to play the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia runs through the 2024-25 season.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
14′ COURTOIS TIPS SHOT ONTO POST! Lewandowski fired his usual low shot at goal which the Belgian keeper just managed to top onto the post. The rebound fell to Balde who blazed wide of goal first time.
19′ BENZEMA USUALLY SCORES THOSE! A fantastic cross from the left wing by Mendy and Benzema leapt high with a header past the flat-footed ter Stegen but the net did not bulge with the effort a yard wide.
33′ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona (Gavi): Lewandowski plays in Gavi in the left hand side of the area and he coolly slotted the ball past Courtois. It started with Busquets stopping Madrid playing the ball out of defence, then passes from Dembele to Pedri and Lewandowski before the 18-year-old scored.
45′ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (Lewandowski): Roles reversed as this time Gavi lays the ball on a plate for Lewandowski to tap into the net. De Jong plays the ball on the stretch to Gavi who takes his time before setting up the Pole who makes no mistake.
51′ GREAT BALL FROM BALDE TO DEMBELE! He raced down the left flank and then played a beautiful ball between the centre backs to Dembele in the right hand side of the area but Courtois saved well with his legs.
69′ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona (Pedri): Just so easy! Barcelona win the ball in the midfield and then Lewandowski plays it wide to Gavi who finds Pedri at the back post to tap home.
90+3′ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-3 Barcelona (Benzema): Benzema scores at the second attempt. His first strike from Ceballos’ cut back was saved by ter Stegen’s leg, but he shot home the rebound.
