No Real Madrid! One might think so after seeing Real's performance in the Spanish Super Cup final. Real could not stand against arch rival Barcelona. The traditional heat of El Clasico was also absent due to Real's helpless surrender at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona also secured their 14th title in the competition by winning the first El Clasico of the year 3-1. Robert Lewandowski and Gavi showed great skill in Barca's title win. Both scored and assisted at the same time. Pedri scored the other goal. Benzema's late goal was a consolation for Real.
At the beginning of the match in the desert, there was a glimpse of a fight. Although Real had the upper hand in possession, Barca were dominant in attack. Xavi Hernandez's team narrowly missed a goal in the 13th minute of the match. Robert Lewandowski's superb shot from just outside the D-box was deflected off the post by Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Alessandro Balder's return shot then went wide of the post.
In the 19th minute, the opportunity to go ahead came in front of Real. However, Karim Benzema's header narrowly missed the target. Although Barca tried to control the match and go on the attack, Real's eyes were on the counterattack. The desperate efforts of both teams for goals also increased the excitement of the match.
However, in the face of continuous attacks, Barcelona took the lead in the 33rd minute of the match. Real defense missed the ball and Lewandowski extended the pass to Gavi. This young Turk did not make a mistake after receiving the ball. Gavi scored a perfect finish to give the team the lead.
Real tried to wake up after scoring a goal at the beginning. Several times Barca attacked the defense, but the desired goal was not found. On the contrary, in the moment before the break, the Gavi-Leva magic appeared again. This time, however, Leva scored with the help of Gavi. But Frankie de Jong had a wonderful pass in this goal. However, like the first goal, Real's defensive mistakes were responsible. Real got knocked out of the match in the first half.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti picked up Eduardo Camavinga and dropped Rodrigo after the break. However, Barca could have ended the match there by scoring the third goal in the 51st minute. Ousmane Dembele was denied a goal in that journey due to a brilliant save by Real goalkeeper Courtois.
Courtois disappointed Leva again in the 54th minute. At that time, Real could not even create a chance to stay away from the goal. On the contrary, they were repeatedly under threat. The real defense collapsed in the 69th minute of the match due to that threat. This time too, Real's defensive mistakes were noticeable.
Real's chances of retaining the title ended before 70 minutes passed. The 'Los Blancos' camp could not turn around after that. Ter Stegen, the goalkeeper of Barcelona, stopped some great attacks of Real. Benzema's late goal was only a