Real Without Alaba Lost Supercup Final Against Barcelona

The Catalans celebrated a 5:2 victory against their great rival Real Madrid in a thrilling final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, giving coach Hansi Flick his first title as Barca coach. It was also a successful revenge for the 1:4 defeat in the final of the previous season.

Barcelona Turned the Game Around

The "Royals" took an early lead after a counter-attack following a strong save by Thibaut Courtois through Kylian Mbappe (5th minute). However, the ninth goal of the French superstar in his last eight finals would ultimately have little significance. Because Barca turned the game around with a furioso. First, Lamine Yamal pulled into the middle after a through ball from Robert Lewandowski and hit the corner accurately (22nd minute). Then the Pole himself confidently converted a penalty won by Gavi (36th minute).

A powerful Raphinha header after a Kounde cross made it 3:1 (39th minute). Not enough, Alejandro Balde increased the lead after a run almost across the entire field in a textbook counter-attack just before the half-time whistle (45.+9). Right after the restart, the ball was in the net again. Immediately after a post hit by Rodrygo, Raphinha completed his brace on the counter (48th minute).

Alaba Not in Action

Some tension arose subsequently as Barca goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off after a foul on Mbappé following a VAR review (57th minute). Rodrygo scored the awarded free kick via the inside post (60th minute). However, goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who replaced the 17-year-old Yamal, kept his goal clean despite a Real pressure phase. Barca has thus won two of the last three Supercup editions and is now the record champion with 15 titles.

Alaba's comeback was postponed again, with the next opportunity coming on Thursday in the Copa del Rey round of 16 home game against Celta Vigo. The 32-year-old Viennese was in the squad for the first time in over a year after a knee injury in Thursday's semi-final against Real Mallorca (3:0).

(APA/Red)

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