Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Raphinha stars as Blaugrana defend Supercopa de Espana title

Real Madrid failed to come back for the third time in the match, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final.

Raphinha was the star of the show for the Blaugrana, scoring a brace on opposite sides of a Robert Lewandowski strike. Vinicius and Gonzalo Garcia got the goals for Los Blancos.

Barcelona drew first blood in the 36th minute when Raphinha drove into the box and fired low into the net, giving the Catalans an early edge and igniting their supporters in Saudi Arabia

The lead was short-lived. In a dramatic finish to the first half, Vinícius Júnior levelled for Real Madrid in the second minute of injury time, a remarkable solo goal. He beat the duo of Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi before finishing at the far post. 

Moments later, Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona's lead, converting a neat through-ball finish from inside the box to make it 2–1. Gonzalo García put Los Blancos level at 2–2 before the break, ensuring parity at halftime. 

The decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Raphinha struck again, a forceful effort with his right foot while falling, which fortuitously deflected off Raul Asencio. 

That strike proved to be the winner, and despite late Madrid efforts, Barça held on to secure the trophy, winning the Supercopa for the second year running.