FC Barcelona has easily controlled the Spanish Super Cup. The Catalans were too strong in Saudi Arabia for a moribund Real Madrid: 1-3.
Thibaut Courtois could win his third Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid on Sunday evening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Xavi’s Barcelona had to go for the ax in El Clasico. He was able to take his first prize with the Blaugrana.
The first minutes had to have a lot of midfield play. After a good ten minutes, Barcelona threatened for the first time via a header from Lewandowski. Immediately afterwards, Courtois had to pull out all the stops to really keep the Pole from scoring. The low shot was pushed against the post, the incoming Baldé then kicked wildly wide.
Real Madrid once put their nose to the window through Benzema, but overall Barcelona were in control of the match. After 33 minutes, the Catalans also took the lead. Lewandowski reached Gavi and the talented 18-year-old made it 0-1. Just like the entire first half, Real was unable to react and immediately received a cold shower in a not too warm Riyadh (about 15 degrees Celsius). This time Gavi and Lewandowski turned the tables: Courtois beaten for a second time.
Little to no improvement for the Madrilenians
The troops from the Spanish capital were clearly not shaken awake by trainer Carlo Ancelotti during halftime, because the Madrid side was also crying in the second half. Fortunately for De Koninklijke, our national goalkeeper was still alert to prevent Dembélé from scoring and to prevent a heavier deficit (for the time being).
For the time being, because the third Catalan goal came anyway. Gavi was once again involved and served his compatriot Pedri, two years his senior, at the far post. The Supercopa could no longer escape Barcelona.
Photo: REUTERS
Real gathered all his courage to still make an honor saver, but a nice shot from Rodrygo was parried by Ter Stegen. The German goalie seemed to finally keep his nets clean, but had to in the dying seconds still win. Golden Ball Benzema hit in two times. The 1-3 did not become more than a footnote.
Barcelona therefore not only wins the 251st Clasico against Real, but also takes the Spanish Supercopa. The first after a five-year drought.
