Vinicius Junior secured a first-half hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 4-1 triumph over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Robert Lewandowski found the net for Barcelona, but their hopes were dampened as defender Ronald Araujo received a red card.
Real Madrid’s victory marked their 13th title in the competition, with coach Carlo Ancelotti securing his 11th trophy with the team, drawing level with Zinedine Zidane.
Ancelotti lauded Vinicius Junior’s return to form, emphasizing the impact of his performance. Despite Barcelona’s efforts, the early goals by Vinicius had a significant influence on the game. Barcelona coach Xavi’s strategic adjustments were insufficient to contain Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, with Vinicius and Rodrygo continuing to pose a threat.
The defeat was a setback for Barcelona, prompting midfielder Sergi Roberto to express disappointment while emphasizing the team’s potential in upcoming competitions. The match also saw the absence of winger Raphinha due to injury, with Pedri taking his place in the starting lineup.
Additionally, Ancelotti’s decision to include midfielder Toni Kroos was met with jeers from the crowd due to his recent comments about players moving to the Saudi league from Europe.
Vinicius’ early goals, including a penalty to complete his hat-trick, showcased his clinical finishing and mirrored the celebrated style of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Barcelona’s efforts, including hitting the crossbar, they were unable to mount a comeback. Araujo’s red card further compounded Barcelona’s challenges, allowing Rodrygo to secure Real Madrid’s fourth goal.