Barcelona stunned Real Madrid with a 3-2 victory in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Stadium, ending a 12‑year trophy drought. Pedri’s playmaking, Lewandowski’s decisive goal and Dembélé’s late strike secured the win, giving Barça early momentum heading into the 2026/27 La Liga campaign and boosting confidence for Xavi’s side.
Match Overview
Key Moments
The match kicked off at 20:00 CET under the watch of referee José Luis Munuera Montero. Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Karim Benzema finished from a quick one‑two with Vinícius Júnior. Barcelona responded in the 27th minute as Frenkie de Jong’s counter‑attack set up Ousmane Dembélé for a thunderous left‑footed strike.
Just before halftime, captain Sergio Busquets headed in from a corner to give Barça a 2‑1 lead. Real equalised in the 58th minute through a second‑half brace from Benzema. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Pedri threaded a perfect through‑ball to Robert Lewandowski, who calmly slotted home. Dembélé sealed the victory with a final‑minute finish, making it 3‑2.
Statistics and Player Ratings
- Shots (on target): Barcelona 15 (8) – Real Madrid 12 (6)
- Possession: Barcelona 54 % – Real Madrid 46 %
- Pass accuracy: Barcelona 87 % – Real Madrid 84 %
- Key passes: Pedri (4), Modrić (3)
- Player of the match: Robert Lewandowski – rating 9.2 (goal and two assists)
- Other top performers: Pedri (8.9), Ousmane Dembélé (8.7), Karim Benzema (8.5)
Background and Context
The Spanish Super Cup, now hosted in Saudi Arabia as part of a three‑year agreement, pits the La Liga champion against the Copa del Rey winner. Real Madrid entered as league champions, while Barcelona qualified by winning the Copa. Prior to this match, Barcelona had not lifted the Super Cup since 2015, and the victory marked their first major trophy in over a decade.
Implications for the 2026/27 Season
Barça’s triumph provides a psychological edge for the upcoming La Liga campaign, validating Xavi Hernández’s high‑pressing and fluid attacking approach. Lewandowski’s integration after his MLS stint confirms the potency of the front line. For Real Madrid, the loss highlights defensive frailties in the closing stages and may prompt Carlo Ancelotti to adjust his midfield balance and rotate the squad.
Fan Reaction
Supporters celebrated the comeback with chants and banners throughout the stadium, praising the team’s resilience and tactical discipline. Real Madrid fans expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about a swift rebound in the league.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Spanish Super Cup will be remembered for its edge‑of‑the‑seat climax and its impact on the rivalry between Spain’s two football giants. Barcelona’s 3‑2 win not only adds a coveted trophy to the cabinet but also signals a potential shift in the balance of power as both clubs prepare for the season‑opening La Liga fixtures.
