India, Jan 12 : Raphinha emerged as the match-winner as FC Barcelona successfully defended their Spanish Super Cup title with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in a pulsating final.
The Brazilian winger opened the scoring for Barcelona in the first half and later struck the decisive goal after the break, sealing a dramatic contest in which Madrid pushed relentlessly for an equaliser until the final whistle.
Real Madrid began with Kylian Mbappé on the bench and Dean Huijsen replacing Antonio Rüdiger in defence, as coach Xabi Alonso opted for a compact, counter attacking approach. Barcelona, cautious in possession, initially found it difficult to break through as both sides traded half-chances in a measured opening period.
Barcelona gradually gained control, with Fermín López and Lamine Yamal testing Thibaut Courtois before Raphinha fired Barça ahead with a low drive in the 36th minute. Madrid responded just before halftime when Vinícius Jr produced a superb solo effort, racing from the halfway line and finishing clinically past Joan García.
The drama continued almost immediately as Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead moments later, calmly finishing after being set up by Pedri. However, Madrid struck back again when Gonzalo García bundled in from close range following a corner, levelling the score before the interval.
The second half saw end to end action, with Vinícius and Rodrygo forcing important saves from García. Raphinha ultimately decided the contest in the 73rd minute, turning smartly on the edge of the box before his shot deflected past Courtois.
Madrid continued to press, especially after Frenkie de Jong was sent off late on for a high challenge on Mbappé, who had come on as a substitute. Despite late chances for Aurélien Tchouaméni and Álvaro Carreras, Barcelona held firm to secure a deserved victory.
The win ensured Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup, with Raphinha’s influential performance proving decisive on a night full of intensity, controversy and classic El Clásico drama.