The latest chapter of the legendary rivalry between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona unfolded on January 12, 2025, as the two Spanish giants clashed in the Spanish Super Cup final. This eagerly anticipated “El Clásico” delivered a high-scoring spectacle, with Barcelona emerging victorious with a commanding 5-2 win over their arch-rivals at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The match was filled with drama, tactical battles, and standout performances, particularly from Barcelona’s attacking duo, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who played a crucial role in their team’s triumph. Despite an early lead from Real Madrid, Barcelona responded emphatically, showcasing their offensive brilliance and resilience, even after going down to ten men following Wojciech Szczęsny’s red card.
Starting Lineups
Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Lucas Vázquez (captain), Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé
FC Barcelona:
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
Real Madrid has a strong defensive core with players like Koundé, Cubarsí, Martínez, and Balde.
Midfielders: Marc Casadó, Pedri, Lamine Yamal
Forwards: Raphinha (captain), Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha
Key Moments of the Match
First Half:
5th Minute: Kylian Mbappé’s Early Strike
Real Madrid started the game on the front foot, with Kylian Mbappé making an immediate impact. The French superstar capitalized on a precise through ball from Jude Bellingham, sprinting past Barcelona’s defense and slotting the ball past Szczęsny to give Los Blancos an early lead. The goal set the tone for an intense encounter, with Real Madrid pushing forward in search of more opportunities.
22nd Minute: Lamine Yamal Levels the Score
Barcelona responded with a well-worked team move that culminated in a stunning equalizer from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The young midfielder found himself at the end of a clever pass from Pedri and finished calmly, beating Courtois to restore parity. Yamal’s composure and vision highlighted the immense potential of the 16-year-old.
36th Minute: Lewandowski Converts from the Spot
Barcelona gained momentum and were soon awarded a penalty after a reckless challenge from Antonio Rüdiger on Raphinha inside the box. Robert Lewandowski stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, sending Courtois the wrong way to put Barcelona ahead.
39th Minute: Raphinha Extends the Lead
Just minutes later, Barcelona struck again. A defensive lapse from Real Madrid allowed Raphinha to find space inside the box, and the Brazilian forward made no mistake, curling a beautiful shot past Courtois to make it 3-1. Barcelona’s high pressing and quick passing proved too much for Madrid’s defense to handle.
45+10th Minute: Alejandro Balde Adds Another Before Halftime
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Barcelona further extended their lead with a well-placed shot from left-back Alejandro Balde. The young defender surged forward, latching onto a pass from Pedri before driving the ball into the net. His goal ensured that Barcelona went into the break with a dominant 4-1 advantage, leaving Real Madrid with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Second Half:
48th Minute: Raphinha Strikes Again
The second half started with more misery for Real Madrid. Raphinha once again found himself in a prime position and fired home his second goal of the night, making it 5-1. His clinical finishing and movement troubled Madrid’s backline throughout the game.
56th Minute: Szczęsny Sees Red
In a dramatic turn of events, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off in the 56th minute after handling the ball outside the penalty area to deny a goal-scoring opportunity for Vinícius Júnior. This forced Barcelona into a defensive reshuffle, with substitute goalkeeper Iñaki Peña entering the fray.
60th Minute: Rodrygo Pulls One Back
Taking advantage of Barcelona’s numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid attempted a comeback. Rodrygo managed to score a well-placed shot past substitute goalkeeper Peña, reducing the deficit to 5-2. However, despite their best efforts, Madrid was unable to break down Barcelona’s disciplined defense for the remainder of the match.
Tactical Analysis and Standout Performances
Barcelona’s success in this match was largely attributed to their attacking efficiency and high pressing. The combination of Pedri and Yamal in midfield provided the creative spark, while Lewandowski’s hold-up play and Raphinha’s finishing were instrumental in dismantling Madrid’s defense.
On the defensive end, Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez held their ground well against Madrid’s attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius, and Rodrygo. Despite being reduced to ten men, Barcelona managed to maintain their composure, limiting Madrid’s chances.
For Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé was their brightest spark, displaying his usual flair and pace. Jude Bellingham also had moments of brilliance in midfield but struggled to impose himself against Barcelona’s relentless press. The absence of key defensive figures like Éder Militão was evident, as Madrid’s backline lacked cohesion and struggled to contain Barcelona’s attacking movements.
What This Victory Means for Barcelona
Winning the Spanish Super Cup in such emphatic fashion is a significant statement from Barcelona. Under the guidance of Xavi Hernández, the Catalan club has showcased a blend of youth and experience, with players like Yamal and Balde stepping up alongside seasoned stars like Lewandowski and Raphinha.
This victory not only secures another trophy for Barcelona but also boosts their confidence as they push for further success in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Implications for Real Madrid
This loss should serve as a valuable lesson for Real Madrid.While they have a world-class squad, defensive frailties and inconsistency in midfield were exposed in this final.
Carlo Ancelotti will need to address these issues moving forward, particularly as Madrid continues to compete on multiple fronts, including their pursuit of domestic and European glory. The presence of Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly bolstered their attack, but a more solid defensive setup will be crucial in future big matches.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of El Clásico
With this latest victory, Barcelona has once again asserted their dominance in the historic rivalry, but the battle between these two footballing giants is far from over.
As the season progresses, both teams will be aiming for silverware, and fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters between these Spanish powerhouses. The next installment of El Clásico in La Liga will be highly anticipated, with Real Madrid eager to avenge this defeat and Barcelona aiming to maintain their upper hand.
For fans seeking a visual recap of the match, highlights are available on FC Barcelona’s official YouTube channel. Additionally, a detailed match analysis, including player statistics and tactical breakdowns, can be found on Sky Sports.
El Clásico once again delivered unforgettable moments, proving why it remains one of the most exciting fixtures in world football.
FAQs
Q: What were the starting lineups for the most recent El Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona?
A: The latest El Clásico took place on January 12, 2025, in the Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid’s starting lineup featured Thibaut Courtois as the goalkeeper; a defense comprising Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy; a midfield trio of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham; and an attacking trio of Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. FC Barcelona started with Wojciech Szczęsny in goal; defenders Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde; midfielders Marc Casadó, Pedri, and Gavi; and forwards Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Q: How have the lineups evolved in recent El Clásico matches?
A: In the October 26, 2024, La Liga encounter, Real Madrid’s lineup included Andriy Lunin in goal; a defense of Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy; midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham; and forwards Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. FC Barcelona’s lineup featured Iñaki Peña as the goalkeeper; defenders Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde; midfielders Marc Casadó, Fermín López, and Pedri; and forwards Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Q: Are there any notable injuries or suspensions affecting the lineups in recent El Clásico matches?
A: In the January 12, 2025, Spanish Super Cup final, both teams fielded strong lineups with no significant injuries or suspensions reported. Similarly, in the October 26, 2024, La Liga match, both teams were able to deploy their key players without major absences due to injuries or suspensions.
Q: How do managers typically approach their lineup selections for El Clásico?
A: Managers of both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona often select their strongest available lineups for El Clásico, given the match’s significance. They consider factors such as player form, fitness levels, tactical matchups, and the importance of the fixture in the context of the season. For instance, in the January 12, 2025, Spanish Super Cup final, both teams fielded their first-choice players to compete for the trophy.
Q: How did the lineups of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona differ between the October 26, 2024, La Liga match and the January 12, 2025, Spanish Super Cup final?
A: In the October 26, 2024, La Liga match, Real Madrid’s lineup included Andriy Lunin as the goalkeeper, with a defense featuring Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. The midfield comprised Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, while the attack was led by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. In contrast, during the January 12, 2025, Spanish Super Cup final, Thibaut Courtois returned as the starting goalkeeper for Real Madrid. The defensive lineup remained consistent with Vázquez, Rüdiger, and Mendy, but Aurélien Tchouaméni was positioned in defense. The midfield trio consisted of Valverde, Camavinga, and Bellingham, and the attacking lineup featured Rodrygo alongside Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
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