By Martin Kennel
Published 36 minutes ago, Updated now
Real Madrid wins the Spanish Super Cup against FC Barcelona. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
The Merengue easily won with a score of 4-1 against FC Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Vinicius notably scored a hat-trick in the first half.
On January 15, 2023, FC Barcelona won 3-1 against Real Madrid in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Obviously, almost a year to the day after the first trophy won by Xavi, this final had the feel of revenge. A revenge perfectly negotiated by Carlo Ancelotti’s men who won with a score of 4-1, including a hat-trick from Vinicius in the first 45 minutes.
It must be said that the Brazilian winger was in good form this evening. From the 7th minute, Real’s number 7 took advantage of Jules Koundé’s big mistake to escape alone in depth. With great composure, the attacker eliminated the goalkeeper and placed the ball in the empty goal (7th, 1-0). While we could have expected a reaction from the Catalans, it was once again Vinicius who stood out with a double. At the start of the action, Rodrygo took advantage of his opponents’ defensive generosity to advance alone and ideally serve his compatriot at the far post (10th, 2-0).
Despite the small reaction from Barcelona with the bar of Ferran Torres (12th, 2-0), the Merengue controlled the meeting rather well. However, Real’s defense eventually gave way after a cross from Balde was returned full axis by Ferland Mendy. Robert Lewandowski sent a powerful volley to reduce the score (33rd, 2-1). But the star of this meeting is called Vinicius. After yet another duel between the Brazilian and Araujo, the defender unbalanced the attacker with his arm. Number 7 decided to take justice into his own hands by converting his penalty for the hat-trick (39th, 3-1).
A powerless Barça
Returning from the locker room, FC Barcelona tried to get into rhythm… for 5 minutes. Subsequently, the Catalans certainly had possession of the ball, but in a rather sterile manner, without managing to find any gaps. Jules Koundé was even valuable in two saving interventions shortly before the hour mark. At the hour mark, Xavi tried everything with three fairly offensive changes. A tactical choice which will not bear fruit, quite the contrary. In the process, Real dealt a fatal blow with a goal from Rodrygo after a poorly returned ball by Jules Koundé (64th, 4-1). Synonymous with a nightmarish evening, Ronald Araujo also received a red card after a foul on the inevitable Vinicius (71st, 4-1). The last quarter of an hour was very long for Xavi’s men, with a total lack of control, just like the match.
Real Madrid wins the first Clasico of the year and at the same time, its first title of the year. A success which also allows Carlo Ancelotti to equal a certain Zinédine Zidane with 11 titles at the club. The Merengue now have 13 trophies in the Spanish Super Cup, one behind FC Barcelona.
