Raphinha Barcelona scores twice as Barca edge Real Madrid 3-2 in Spanish Super Cup to claim record 16th title in Saudi Arabia

Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 to win the Spanish Super Cup for a record-extending 16th time, despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card.

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The Catalans went ahead when Raphinha fired a low strike past Thibaut Courtois, only for Vinicius Junior to level for Madrid with a fine individual goal.

Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead before Gonzalo Garcia equalised in stoppage time, sending the teams into the break level.

The decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when a deflected Raphinha effort left Courtois helpless, securing the trophy and marking the fourth success of coach Hansi Flick’s reign.

The victory ended Real Madrid’s five-match winning streak and left Xabi Alonso still searching for his first trophy since taking charge in June.

Barca’s coach Hansi Flick opted for Lewandowski over Ferran Torres, while teenager Lamine Yamal returned on the right wing.

Barcelona controlled possession in the opening stages, with Raphinha’s pace a constant threat and Vinicius Junior proving dangerous on the break.

Raphinha’s performance underscores his fine form, scoring seven goals in his last five appearances across all competitions.

Despite Madrid’s late numerical advantage following de Jong’s sending off for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona maintained composure, with Marcus Rashford narrowly missing a chance in stoppage time.

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The win provides Barcelona with momentum as they aim to build on their Spanish Super Cup success and target further silverware this season.