Barcelona champions Spanish Super Cup
Barcelona were crowned Spanish Super Cup champions after goals from Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Pedri earned a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona – three points clear of Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions at the top of La Liga – secured their first trophy under Xavi, taking advantage of three mistakes to score.
They took the lead in the 33rd minute after the Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger passed across his own area to Barça’s Sergio Busquets, who began a move that ended with Gavi scoring with a precise left-foot strike.
Lewandowski extended the lead 12 minutes later on the counter when Frenkie de Jong found Gavi, who ghosted in behind Madrid’s defensive line. He sprinted through the left channel before putting it on a plate for the Polish striker, who tapped into the back of the empty net.
Madrid, who had no shots on target in the first half, spent most of the second in panic mode, trying to avoid a bigger defeat. Yet, once again a costly mistake allowed Barcelona to score.
The substitute Dani Ceballos lost the ball in midfield and Gavi sprinted forward and crossed for Pedri to fire point-black into the empty net.
In injury time, Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema scored a consolation goal.
With 14 wins, Barcelona are the record holders. Their nearest opponents, Real Madrid, won the Super Cup 12 times.
Meanwhile, this is Barcelona's first trophy under the helm of Xavi.
