With an open hand. What a shock in Jeddah. Losing in the final is an almost forbidden phrase in the everyday life of Madrid, used to collecting trophies with admirable ease. Five titles have been won in 2024 and they have lifted six Champions League trophies into the Bernabéu sky over the last ten years. However, Flicka’s Barça were hungrier today, they had a greater need to regain their lost luster after a year of overachievement under Xavi. The Blaugrana had an ambitious game plan and knew that the Supercopa de España, although a title of less hierarchical importance, would give them the necessary breathing space and, consequently, lead their sporting rival into an internal debate that no one had imagined after the galactic summer with the arrival of Mbappé and the consolidation of Vinícius and Bellingham, forming a dream attack. But there are variables in football that will never change. Ancelotti warned against double-crossing: ‘The key to the final lies in a solid defense.’ Unfortunately, the reality was far from these words. There was a shameful hole in the defense of the European champion. Lamine (excellent), Lewandowski and Raphinha reached Courtois with unprecedented ease. Even Mbappé’s incredible opening goal didn’t change the course of this rout. Barça smelled the blood and every action was a headache for the Belgian, who did well to stop several shots heading for goal in the face of a flurry of attacks from Barça. When Barça scores nine goals in two consecutive Clásicos, all that can be done is to shake their hands, congratulate them for such an advantage in these two embarrassing games and engage in self-reflection to learn from this historic defeat. Madrid must stop navel-gazing and accept that relying solely on a handful of shining stars up front will not be enough to achieve greater glory. In today’s football, players have to leave everything on the pitch. Which, by the way, is exactly what Mbappé did. Kylian, Tibu and Valverde gave their all…
Read more:
Jeddah: The Third Act of That 0-4 Between Madrid and Barcelona
Tchouameni, never again. It is difficult for me to be critical and harsh towards any player defending this shield that has been embellished by so many great players throughout history, but Tchouameni as a central defender is no longer acceptable. The Frenchman still doesn’t understand the ins and outs of this position. He positions himself poorly, doesn’t correct when opponents get behind him, is very slow when retreating, and can’t even get under enemy shots when he’s coming. He is not suitable to play as a central defender, even as an emergency option. Raúl Asencio’s call to be the starter has become a popular demand among passionate Madrid fans. I have the utmost respect for Ancelotti, but I truly believe he is making a mistake with Tchouameni. Mendy is not the same as he was in recent years. How much we miss Nacho, the ‘pessimistic’ defender who solved so many problems for us over the years.
Read more:
Great goal against Real Madrid: Classic for Lamine Yamala
Seven in limbo. I am so naive and believe in the power of this jersey so much that I was convinced that seven was not a Quijo challenge. I believed it was doable, I really did. But this slap from Barça showed that it was an impossible top to achieve with this team. Therefore, I believe it is better to be realistic, sign a few defenders in this winter market and humbly return to square one to pursue La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the first Club World Cup and the Champions League with all determination. Why not? Never count this team out…
Read more:
Titles and rivals defeated by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup finals
Thank you, Szczęsny. And let me be clear, it could have been much worse. Thanks to a great performance from Mbappé, the Frenchman forced a red card for Szczęsny after an explosive dribble that eluded Gil Manzano. This red card stopped Barça’s desire to inflict a humiliating defeat on the archives. But Rodrygo’s brilliant free-kick goal didn’t lead to more. Only Kylian didn’t give up. Vini was out of form and Bellingham was limited. What a disappointment. It’s going to be hard for me to sleep tonight. It’s hard to come to terms with this…
