Barcelona secured the 2026 Spanish Super Cup with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, in a match that delivered drama both on and off the pitch.
The final, attended by a large crowd in Saudi Arabia, was overshadowed by controversy as Real Madrid failed to perform the customary guard of honour for the champions.
Spanish sports journalist Alfredo Martinez highlighted the incident on X, writing, “Real Madrid did not form the champions’ guard of honour for Barcelona. Barça had done so. Mbappé led them away from there. Ugly gesture. Inexplicable.”
El Real Madrid no ha hecho el pasillo de los campeones al Barcelona. El Barça sí lo había hecho. Mbappé se los llevó de allí. Feo gesto. Inexplicable pic.twitter.com/Lf7rNYmZUk
— Alfredo Martínez (@Alfremartinezz) January 11, 2026
He added, “Real Madrid says that it is the Federation who tells them to go to another area because they are in the camera shot and that is why they do not do the guard of honour.”
Video footage from the event showed Kylian Mbappé signaling his teammates to step aside, preventing them from forming the traditional lineup for the ceremonial applause. Social media fans quickly reacted, describing Real Madrid’s behavior as “classless” and labeling the team “sore losers.”
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On the pitch, the match lived up to its billing, with both sides creating numerous scoring chances. Barcelona’s Raphinha opened the scoring with a low strike past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, later netting the decisive goal in the second half after a deflection.
Robert Lewandowski also scored for Barça, while Real Madrid responded through Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García, with three goals scored in stoppage time of the first half, highlighting the thrilling back-and-forth nature of the contest.
Raphinha Stars As Barcelona Defeat Real Madrid In Intense Encounter
Frenkie de Jong was shown a red card late in the match for a studs-up challenge on Kylian Mbappé, leaving Barcelona to defend with ten men in the final minutes.
Despite sustained pressure from Real Madrid, including a near-miss from Álvaro Carreras and a headed effort by Raul Asencio that Thibaut Courtois expertly saved, Barcelona managed to hold on for the 3–2 victory.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his squad, saying, “The players showed great character in a very difficult game. Every player contributed, and we deserved to lift the trophy.”
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso responded calmly to the outing, adding, “The Super Cup is just one match. We need to turn the page and prepare for our next challenges. Our players gave their best on the pitch, and we will improve for upcoming games.”
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The victory earned Barcelona their 16th Spanish Super Cup title and marked their second consecutive triumph in the competition. Beyond the scoreline, the match underscored the fierce intensity of the rivalry between the two clubs, the high stakes of international fixtures, and the spotlight on sportsmanship traditions, elements that captured widespread attention.
