Mbappé and Real Madrid leave the title to Barcelona after a match that reconciles us with football

The match of the year already? This Sunday evening, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid offered us a match of rare quality, with spectacle, goals and beautiful gestures. It was ultimately Barça who won the title of champion of the Spanish Super Cup (2-5) in a meeting relocated to… Saudi Arabia.

Kylian Mbappé got the ball rolling in the 5th minute with a controlled run from start to finish and an unstoppable goal. The Frenchman, who returned in great shape, nevertheless gave himself a big scare when he followed by staying on the ground and having his ankle strapped. More fear than harm, ultimately. The rest will only be a lone rider of the Catalans, led by the inevitable Yamal.

A first since 1943

The young prodigy responded to Mbappé (22nd) before his friend Lewandowski, from the penalty spot after a foul by French international Camavinga, gave his team the advantage (36th). Stunned, the Merengue will even concede two additional goals from the dynamic Raphinha (39th) – author of an exceptional season – and Baldé at the very end of added time (45+10th). The Catalans led 4-1 at the break. Real was KO Be aware, this is the first time since January 10, 1943 that Barça has scored four goals against Real Madrid in the first period in official competition. That’s saying something.

But in a ring, anything can happen. Ancelotti’s men were still standing. Rodrygo had a good chance but the bar blocked his shot. Missed opportunity since Barça still took advantage of the unusual and curious defensive generosity of the Madrilenians with a new goal from Raphinha, against (48th). Real Madrid needed a wake-up call. Who better than Mbappé to give hope to his people? On one of his accelerations, the Frenchman tried to dribble past the Catalan goalkeeper Szczesny but the latter hooked him. As a result, the Polish goalkeeper received a red card and Rodrygo, a few minutes later, took the opportunity to reduce (a little) the gap (5-2, 60th) with a free kick.

It almost took the 70th minute of play to avoid getting up from the seat or the sofa. Barça preferred – rightly – to manage, operating with several replacements including those of Yamal and Raphinha, the providential men. At one more, Ancelotti’s men failed to turn the tide. A final attempt from Mbappé sent shivers through the stadium one last time. But it must be said that the mountain was too high. Barcelona therefore wins its 15th Super Cup crown and sends a strong signal to the competition, whether in the championship or the Champions League. Mbappé and Real will have to quickly turn the page. On the other hand, hats off and thank you gentlemen for the show offered this Sunday evening.