Barcelona were crowned Super Champions in a final that will be marked by a clear tactical superiority, destroying Real Madrid in the match played in Jeddah. Although the first minutes of the match seemed to promise something different, with an early goal by Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona quickly took control of the match and subdued a Madrid side that, at times, seemed to not know what to do to counter the azulgrana offense.
Mbappé's Goal, A Mirage For Madrid
From the start of the match, Real Madrid seemed to have a clear plan to surprise Barcelona. With a quick counterattack, Vinicius set up Mbappé, who did not waste the opportunity and scored the 1-0 with a goal that demonstrated his ability to break defenses at full speed.
At that point, Madrid looked in control and remained solid, with Courtois preventing what could have been Barça's first goal on two occasions with saves from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. However, Mbappé's goal was just a mirage for a Real Madrid side that would soon see their tactical collapse.
Barcelona reacted with determination. The equalizer came quickly with a move that Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old striker, turned into a wonder goal. After receiving a pass from Lewandowski, Yamal skilfully rounded Tchouaméni and slotted the ball gently past the post.
This goal not only leveled the score, but also marked the beginning of a blaugrana gale that would sweep Madrid aside in the rest of the first half.
La Goleada: Barcelona Wins With Clarity
Barcelona's dominance was absolute. Hansi flick's team, intelligently led by Pedri, took advantage of Madrid's defensive weaknesses, especially on their right side. Raphinha's moves were devastating, and it didn't take long for the Catalans to score the second goal, with a clear penalty committed by Camavinga on Gavi.
Lewandowski calmly converted the penalty, and Madrid began to see Barcelona not only win the game, but also the score.
The third goal came soon after, from a long pass by Koundé that Raphinha took advantage of to head home. At that moment, Madrid's defense was completely overwhelmed, with no response to Barça's quick and precise attacks.
The embarrassment was multiplied with the fourth goal, when Balde, taking advantage of a poorly executed short corner by Madrid, led a counter-attack with Raphinha and scored the 4-1. Madrid were already knocked out, with a first half to forget.
Szczesny's Expulsion Becomes Small Hope for Madrid
In the second half, Madrid started with a slim hope when Szczesny was sent off after bringing down Mbappé, who was heading straight for goal. The red seemed to be Madrid's chance to close the gap, but even with an extra man, Ancelotti's side could not find a way to attack effectively.
Despite a Rodrygo free kick goal, Barcelona showed no signs of weakness, and Madrid failed to create any real danger.
Barcelona, down a man, organized themselves in exemplary fashion, maintaining control of the match and defending their advantage with confidence. Despite a few isolated attempts from Mbappé, Flick's side did not struggle and maintained their superiority throughout the second half.
All champions in the history of the #Supercopa de España 🏆🇪🇸
🔝 #FCBarcelona wins its N°15 title and remains the competition's top winner pic.twitter.com/Bhsg1cqEZk
- Betcris (@Betcris) January 13, 2025
A Defeat That Leaves Real Madrid with Many Questions
This humiliating defeat leaves many questions about Real Madrid's future. Not only was it a painful defeat, but Ancelotti's team showed a lack of response to Barcelona's pressure and tactical superiority.
Madrid's defense was a sieve, and Ancelotti's shortcomings in adjusting his team to Barça's onslaught were evident. Los Blancos failed to have an offensive response to Barcelona's play, and not even with numerical superiority in the second half were they able to generate real danger.
On the other hand, Barcelona celebrated a well-deserved victory, with fast, precise and intense soccer that stifled Madrid from the first minute. The performances of Raphinha, Lewandowski, and young Lamine Yamal, coupled with Hansi Flick's tactical direction, made it clear who was the better team in this final.
The Supercopa left Real Madrid with a defeat that not only affected their image, but also called into question some of Ancelotti's tactical decisions. Barcelona, meanwhile, showed that they are more solid than ever, with a style of play that swept away Madrid's hopes.
It was a victory that will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time, not only for the scoreline, but also for the way in which Barcelona mercilessly beat their eternal rivals.