Barcelona Edge Real Madrid to Win Spanish Super Cup in Thrilling El Clásico Final

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 12 January 2026 - Barcelona lifted the 2026 Spanish Super Cup after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in a thrilling El Clásico final held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The win not only secured silverware but also handed Barcelona another iconic triumph over their fiercest rivals in one of football’s most celebrated fixtures.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Raphinha opened the scoring with a composed strike, giving Barcelona the early advantage. Real Madrid responded with instant impact deep into first-half added time, as Vinícius Júnior produced a moment of individual brilliance to level the game.

The drama continued before the interval. Barcelona regained the lead through Robert Lewandowski just minutes after the equaliser, only for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo García to level again in stoppage time, setting up a captivating finish to the first half.

The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Raphinha struck again. His effort deflected off a defender and found its way past Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, lighting up the stadium and ultimately proving to be the match-winner.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. — Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham in action during the Super Cup clash with FC Barcelona. Barcelona won 3-2 | X post by FC Barcelona

More from Kenya

Owalo Steps Down From State House Role to Focus on 2027 Presidential Race

AFC Leopards Run Riot Over Rivals Tusker FC in FKF Premier League Clash

As the contest reached its conclusion, Barcelona were reduced to ten men after Frenkie de Jong received a straight red card for a late challenge, but Real Madrid couldn’t find a way back despite intense late pressure. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made several key saves to preserve the lead and secure the trophy.

After the final whistle, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, saying, “We played the way we wanted, with belief and unity. This victory shows our character and the quality in the squad.” The win marks Barcelona’s 16th Spanish Super Cup title, extending their record haul and giving them back-to-back success in the competition.

For Real Madrid, the narrow defeat will be tough to swallow, but their spirited performance in such a high-stakes encounter highlights the fine margins in El Clásico football. Nonetheless, Barcelona’s triumph provides a huge psychological boost as they continue their campaign in domestic and continental competitions.