as.comPosted at: 16:15 EST 12/01/2025
What a spectacle, a game that really had everything as we await for the medal and trophy presentation ceremony.
as.comPosted at: 16:13 EST 12/01/2025
Barcelona’s Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha / FADEL SENNA / AFP
Raphinha awarded MVP
Brazilian winger Raphina who was on target twice tonight, is nominated the man-of-the-match.
as.comPosted at: 16:13 EST 12/01/2025
Real Madrid2
Barcelona5
as.comPosted at: 16:12 EST 12/01/2025
Gil Manzano brings an end to the action and Barcelona win the 2025 Spanish Super Cup.
as.comPosted at: 16:05 EST 12/01/2025
Just one minute remain in Jeddah as the Barça fans celebrate and what will this do for Barcelona’s domestic campaign as they have slipped up in recent times.
as.comPosted at: 16:05 EST 12/01/2025
Great play from Mbappé and it takes a great stop from Peña to deflect the ball wide for a corner.
Barcelona players all smiles on the sideline as they await Gil Manzano’s final whistle.
as.comPosted at: 16:03 EST 12/01/2025
Barcelona set to claim their 15th Spanish Super Cup title.
Real Madrid will have to settle for their current 13th and will look to return to Saudi Arabia next season to rectify that matter.
Madrid still do have the Copa del Rey, Champions League, LaLiga and Club World Cup to aspire to later this season.
as.comPosted at: 16:02 EST 12/01/2025
2
5
as.comPosted at: 15:59 EST 12/01/2025
A stat that FC Barcelona fans will enjoy….
Hansi Flick’s men hold a 9-2 advantage over Real Madrid this season and the German manager’s 100% record of never losing a final remains intact.
as.comPosted at: 15:59 EST 12/01/2025
Into the final minute.
Barcelona fans in the King Abdullah stadium celebrate as they sense another title is within touching distance.
We’ll have eight added minutes.
Bellingham is free and a last second intervention from Kounde sees the Englishman off balance.
as.comPosted at: 15:58 EST 12/01/2025
Tired legs now with imprecise passes and one or two reckless challenges flying in.
Raphinha (on the bench) carded.
as.comPosted at: 15:56 EST 12/01/2025
Mbappe fouled and Araujo carded.
Danger for Barcelona as they are forced to face another danger freekick.
Rodrygo, this time blazes wide.
as.comPosted at: 15:54 EST 12/01/2025
Real Madrid’s dreams of winning a record seven titles are about to go up in smoke in Jeddah tonight with FC Barcelona minutes away from being proclaimed 2025 Spanish Super Cup winners.
as.comPosted at: 15:53 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid are really toiling to create significant danger, despite having an extra man.
Half hearted appeal from Bellingham for a spot kick but the ref. waves play on.
as.comPosted at: 15:52 EST 12/01/2025
Time running out for Madrid who have failed to capitalise on the extra man.
Ten minutes of normal time remain but we’ll have at least 7-8 minutes of added time given the numerous stops.
as.comPosted at: 15:47 EST 12/01/2025
2
5
as.comPosted at: 15:46 EST 12/01/2025
Raphinha makes. his way to the bench with Ferran his replacement.
as.comPosted at: 15:46 EST 12/01/2025
Lewandowski, the latest player to have his name taken as Raphinha is on the floor and seems to have cramp.
as.comPosted at: 15:45 EST 12/01/2025
Barça have ridden the storm well and now look comfortable with the team adapting well to the ten-man situation.
as.comPosted at: 15:44 EST 12/01/2025
No, despite showing the No. 5, Bellingham stays on and it’s Vincius who leaves the action.
as.comPosted at: 15:43 EST 12/01/2025
That’s the end of the substitutes from Real Madrid.
as.comPosted at: 15:42 EST 12/01/2025
Fran Garcia and Brahim set to enter the fray for Madrid with Mendy and Bellingham making way.
as.comPosted at: 15:42 EST 12/01/2025
Twenty minutes of the game remain in Jeddah and it’s Barcelona players now looking at the clock with Madrid enjoying the bulk of possession as they hem the Catalan side deep inside their own half.
as.comPosted at: 15:37 EST 12/01/2025
By the way, lovely to see the reaction from the Jeddah crown for Modric’s introduction a few minutes ago.
The elegant Croatian central player will be deeply missed when he eventually does hang up the boots.
as.comPosted at: 15:36 EST 12/01/2025
Vinicius clips Kounde on the ankle and is a lucky man to avoid a second yellow with the French defender really feeling that one.
as.comPosted at: 15:35 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 15:35 EST 12/01/2025
My word, how the dynamic of the final has changed in just a matter of minutes with the red card and Rodrygo goal.
Madrid smell blood now and have the Catalan side on the ropes too.
Football, eh ….El Clasico rarely disappoints !
as.comPosted at: 15:33 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 15:34 EST 12/01/2025
By the way, what a strike from Rodrygo with his freekick absolutely unstoppable.
Modric on for the just booked Tchouaméni.
as.comPosted at: 15:31 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid have seen their hopes boosted ….Can they claw back three more goals against the ten men of Barça.
Tchouaméni carded as he clips Olmo
as.comPosted at: 15:30 EST 12/01/2025
2
5
as.comPosted at: 15:27 EST 12/01/2025
Peña in goal and has to face a free for Madrid.
Rodrygo strikes and scores.
as.comPosted at: 15:27 EST 12/01/2025
Barça now forced to face Madrid in the remaining 30 minutes or so with ten men.
as.comPosted at: 15:26 EST 12/01/2025
Ivan Peña comes on to replace Gavi with Dani Olmo on for Lamine Yamal
as.comPosted at: 15:25 EST 12/01/2025
as.comPosted at: 15:23 EST 12/01/2025
The incident was outside the box, by the way so it will be a free for Madrid.
as.comPosted at: 15:23 EST 12/01/2025
Big call for a spot kick for Real Madrid as Mbappe goes to ground and this may be looked at again.
Szczęsny does seem to clip the French striker and could be red carded for that foul.
Vini Jr. carded for protesting and Barça will now be reduced to ten men.
as.comPosted at: 15:23 EST 12/01/2025
Barça with a (current) aggregate score of 9-1 against Real Madrid in both games played this season to date.
as.comPosted at: 15:21 EST 12/01/2025
There is still more than 35 minutes of the game remaining as Rudiger is carded for a foul in Yamal.
as.comPosted at: 15:20 EST 12/01/2025
Not the start Real Madrid or Carlo Ancelotti would have been looking for.
Asencio on for Vazquez. Second switch for Los Blancos tonight.
as.comPosted at: 15:19 EST 12/01/2025
as.comPosted at: 15:18 EST 12/01/2025
1
5
as.comPosted at: 15:17 EST 12/01/2025
Way, way too easy for Barça as a ball from Casadó totally opens the Madrid rearguard and the Brazilian does well in holding off the defenders and slots home.
as.comPosted at: 15:17 EST 12/01/2025
Rodrygo wallops the woodwork with a ferocious volley and this is a brighter start from the men in white.
Raphinha breaks and …guess what… yes, scores for Barça … 1-5… Barcelona are on-fire.
as.comPosted at: 15:15 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid start the second half.
as.comPosted at: 15:12 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid need an instant reaction and will look to bounce back via an early goal.
as.comPosted at: 15:12 EST 12/01/2025
Confirmation
Camavinga off-Ceballos on
as.comPosted at: 15:11 EST 12/01/2025
Dani Ceballos poised to make an entrance for Madrid.
as.comPosted at: 15:10 EST 12/01/2025
I think from a Real Madrid perspective, it’s not just that the scoreline hurts, it’s the manner that Los Blancos have been second best in very department,
This game could easily be 1-6 or 1-7 with Courtois rescuing the Bernabeu side on a series of times.
as.comPosted at: 15:10 EST 12/01/2025
What a half…. where to start in 45 minutes of football that has seen the Catalan side boss proceedings despite going behind to an early Kylian Mbappe goal.
Barcelona have been superior in every department with Raphinha, Pedri and Lamine Yamal all delivering masterclass performances.
The Catalan side have bounced back with a fine solo effort from Lamine Yamal, a Lewandowski spot kick, Raphinha header and a late fourth from Balde with the scoreline set to offer plenty of half-time conundrums for Carlo Ancelotti as his Madrid side ship four goals again to Barcelona for the second time this season.
as.comPosted at: 15:02 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 15:04 EST 12/01/2025
The whistle sounds and it’s Hansi Flick’s men who lead.
as.comPosted at: 14:57 EST 12/01/2025
Just as Madrid did with their opener.
Balde finishes a great counter from the Catalan side with the men in white caught short in defence.
as.comPosted at: 14:56 EST 12/01/2025
1
4
as.comPosted at: 14:55 EST 12/01/2025
Balde makes it four to Barça
as.comPosted at: 14:55 EST 12/01/2025
Iñigo Martinez carded for a gesture directed at the match official.
The defender has already finished the game due to injury.
as.comPosted at: 14:54 EST 12/01/2025
What a strike from Balde and a solid stop from Courtois who denies the Catalan side once again.
Corner for FCB… straight into the Belgian’s hands.
as.comPosted at: 14:53 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid looking to try and claw a goal back ahead of the interval.
Raphinha breaks but Valverde (who has been the standout player for Madrid tonight) is alert and sends the ball out of play.
as.comPosted at: 14:51 EST 12/01/2025
What price on Camavinga being the first change for Ancelotti?
The French player is really being given the ‘runaround’ by Lamine Yamal who has been exceptional tonight.
as.comPosted at: 14:48 EST 12/01/2025
Camavinga pulls Lamine back and is lucky to escape without getting a card.
9 minutes of time to be added in Jeddah.
as.comPosted at: 14:46 EST 12/01/2025
A minute of the first 45′ to go as the Polish striker is back on the pitch.
We’ve seen very little from Bellingham and Vini Jr. in the first half but as things stand, Barcelona are totally dominant.
as.comPosted at: 14:45 EST 12/01/2025
Lewandowski is back on his feet but will need further attention.
as.comPosted at: 14:44 EST 12/01/2025
Almost a fourth for Barcelona as Rudiger and Lewandowski collide but not before the Polish striker nods inches over.
Madrid are at 6s and 7s defensivley.
as.comPosted at: 14:43 EST 12/01/2025
Barça in control in Jeddah with a third goal
as.comPosted at: 14:42 EST 12/01/2025
Raphinha this time with a sublime headed effort as the Brazilian is totally free and does well to nod with power past Courtois.
Solid assist from Kounde.
as.comPosted at: 14:40 EST 12/01/2025
1
3
as.comPosted at: 14:39 EST 12/01/2025
Almost at the 40 minute mark and you can’t take your eyes off the action.
Barcelona dominating the action and there’s a third goal for the Catalan side.
as.comPosted at: 14:39 EST 12/01/2025
Barcelona take the lead in Jeddah
as.comPosted at: 14:38 EST 12/01/2025
1
2
as.comPosted at: 14:37 EST 12/01/2025
Lewandowski to take the spot kick.
The Polish striker steps up and slots the ball home.
as.comPosted at: 14:36 EST 12/01/2025
Gil Manzano consults the video screen and will, no doubt award the penalty.
Yes, indeed a spot kick and yellow card for the Fenchman.
as.comPosted at: 14:36 EST 12/01/2025
A brief lull in the game now with both sides happy to retain possession and just stroke the ball around.
Big penalty call from Barcelona as Gavi was upended in the box.
Play goes on and this will be looked at I’m sure.
Yes, that did look like a spot kick as Camavinga clips Gavi with an outstreched leg.
as.comPosted at: 14:35 EST 12/01/2025
Camavinga has a goal volleying from outside the Barça box but fails to secure the required accuracy and the ball drifts over the bar.
Mbappé seems to be moving without any issues.
as.comPosted at: 14:31 EST 12/01/2025
We approach the half hour mark and it’s been a blistering 30 minutes of football.
Madrid now very much back in the mix having responded well to the Yamal goal.
as.comPosted at: 14:30 EST 12/01/2025
Araujo on for Martinez (confirmation)
as.comPosted at: 14:29 EST 12/01/2025
Iñigo Martinez goes to the floor and looks to be in trouble.
He can’t carry on with Araujo set to replace the former Athletic man.
as.comPosted at: 14:28 EST 12/01/2025
as.comPosted at: 14:26 EST 12/01/2025
Barcelona good value for the equaliser as Szczęsny is called upon to save the Catalan side after 25 electric minutes of football.
as.comPosted at: 14:25 EST 12/01/2025
1
1
as.comPosted at: 14:22 EST 12/01/2025
Gooooooooool
What a solo effort from Lamine Yamal.
The teenager skips past a series of Real Madrid players and strokes the ball into the corner of the net.
as.comPosted at: 14:22 EST 12/01/2025
We pass the 20 minute mark and Barça are ahead in terms of… chances, corners, possession but Madrid dominate the most important stat of all with Mbappé’s goal seeing Ancelotti’s men in front.
as.comPosted at: 14:21 EST 12/01/2025
Pedri sees a strike take a wicked deflection as Barça keep pressing.
Another corner for the Catalan side as Casadó rifles the ball wide.
Mbappé returns to the pitch.
as.comPosted at: 14:19 EST 12/01/2025
Brahim gets ready in case his services are called upon.
The Madrid medics are applying a bandage to the ankle and the hope is that the French striker can continue.
as.comPosted at: 14:17 EST 12/01/2025
This is not the news Madrid fans wanted to hear as Mbappé is on the pitch and it appears that he has failed to shake off that slip which seemed to damage his ankle.
as.comPosted at: 14:16 EST 12/01/2025
Szczęsny called upon and the Pole is alert as he dives and gathers with Bellingham about to pounce.
as.comPosted at: 14:15 EST 12/01/2025
Possession to date:
Real Madrid 22-78 (%) FC Barcelona
as.comPosted at: 14:13 EST 12/01/2025
Kylian Mbappé is back on the pitch and seems to be running freely.
Barcelona, it has to be said are dominating the action in the 12 minutes or so played so far.
as.comPosted at: 14:12 EST 12/01/2025
Barcelona go inches close again and once again it’s Raphina who fires the ball across the face of the Real Madrid goal mouth.
It could be 3-1 to Barça but Madrid are lethal and have taken the one chance that came their way…
1 shot on target, 1 goal, 100% efficiency from Los Blancos
as.comPosted at: 14:11 EST 12/01/2025
Mbappe is on the ground after a bad slip on the surface.
Good news for Madrid fans is that the French striker is back on his feet as he limps from the pitch to get added treatment.
as.comPosted at: 14:09 EST 12/01/2025
The goal stands !
1-0, Real Madrid lead in Jeddah.
as.comPosted at: 14:07 EST 12/01/2025
Was there a foul on Casado in the build up?
Barcelona are asking for the referee to consult VAR.
as.comPosted at: 14:06 EST 12/01/2025
Vini Jr. fires Madrid ahead from a lightning counter attack.
as.comPosted at: 14:05 EST 12/01/2025
Once again Courtois is called upon as Raphina sees the Belgian save from a point blank header but where was the marking.
as.comPosted at: 14:05 EST 12/01/2025
What a player the, still 17-year-old is !
as.comPosted at: 14:03 EST 12/01/2025
Lamine Yamal has a go from outside the box with his trusty left boot and it needed a fine stop from Courtois to deny Barcelona the opening goal.
as.comPosted at: 14:03 EST 12/01/2025
Both sides in their classic colours.
Madrid in all white and Barça in their ‘blaugrana’ half and half jerseys, navy shorts and socks.
as.comPosted at: 14:01 EST 12/01/2025
FC Barcelona start the Super Cup final and we’re underway in Jeddah.
as.comPosted at: 14:00 EST 12/01/2025
Both teams pose for the pre-game protocol photos with both sides opting for the same line-up as they showcased for the semi-finals.
Lucas Vazquez and Raphinha tonight’s respective team captains.
as.comPosted at: 13:59 EST 12/01/2025
A mosaic featuring both Barça and Madrid emblems greets the players as they take to the field.
Gil Manzano, tonight’s match official leading the way.
as.comPosted at: 13:57 EST 12/01/2025
Impressive drone show making the emblems of both clubs as the Super Cup trophy is brought onto the pitch.
All set for the arrival of both teams.
as.comPosted at: 13:55 EST 12/01/2025
First up ahead of the game will be a brief pre-match ceremony at the stadium.
Ideal conditions for the game, no rainfall and a current temperature of 24C/75F.
as.comPosted at: 13:52 EST 12/01/2025
Madrid employing a 4-2-3-1 against Barça’s 4-3-3 line-up.
Looking forward to the Vini Jr. vs Jules Kounde tussle on the left flank.
as.comPosted at: 13:51 EST 12/01/2025
Real Madrid’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti / FADEL SENNA / AFP
Ancelotti: ‘Madrid are hungry’
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Carlo Ancelotti was in a confident mood pre-game. “Of course we’ll have to think about the first Clásico of the season, when they beat us. We started well in that game but then we ran into problems in the second half. We have to see a repeat of the things we did well and avoid the mistakes we made later. A Clásico is a Clásico and the pressure is even greater in a final. Playing Barcelona in a final is always very special.”
as.comPosted at: 13:45 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 13:45 EST 12/01/2025
Flick: ‘We need to be better than we were in the semi-final’
Barcelona boss Flick was adamant when speaking to the media that his team needed to improve: However, he insisted that “we need to play a lot better than we did against Athletic. We made too many errors and we need to reduce them. Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in transition and they take advantage of any option you give them.”
as.comPosted at: 13:42 EST 12/01/2025
Flick / JAVIER GANDUL / DIARIO AS
Flick looking to preserve 100% final record
The German coach has reached five finals with former side (Bayern Munich) and has yet to taste defeat.
These include a Champions League final, Club World Cup final along with a DFB Pokal.
Tonight’s game also offers the Barça boss a chance to win his first silverware with his new club.
as.comPosted at: 13:32 EST 12/01/2025
A reminder of tonight’s teams as we edge towards kick-off.
Dani Olmo takes his place on the Barcelona bench and Szczęsny starts in goal for Flick’s side.
No surprises in the Real Madrid XI with Rodrygo, Vinicius and Mbappé leading the line for Los Blancos.
as.comPosted at: 13:24 EST 12/01/2025
Barça players check out playing surface
Despite having staged two games already this week, the pitch at the King Abdullah stadium looks to be in decent shape.
as.comPosted at: 13:23 EST 12/01/2025
Real Madrid supporters / GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
Madrid edging things in the stands
It’s the white Real Madrid jerseys that dominate the stands of the King Abdullah Sports City stadium tonight with possibly a 60/40 (%) split of fans present.
Dani Olmo was soundly booed by the crowd as he took to the pitch just a few minutes ago.
as.comPosted at: 13:19 EST 12/01/2025
Super Cup: subs benches
Real Madrid: Lunin, Fran González, Lorenzo, Asencio, Aguado, Alaba, Fran García, Modric, Ceballos, Arda Güler, Brahim & Endrick.
Barcelona: Iñaki Peña, Astralaga, Héctor Fort, Araújo, Eric García, Gerard Martín, De Jong, Fermín, Dani Olmo, Pau Víctor & Ferran Torres.
as.comPosted at: 13:10 EST 12/01/2025
For those wondering what was behind Dani Olmo losing his playing registration with Barcelona … Joe Brennan offers a brief explainer.
as.comPosted at: 13:05 EST 12/01/2025
Road to the final….
Both Madrid and Barça had little difficulty in their semi-final games with Hansi Flick’s side recording a 2-0 over Athletic Club on Wednesday.
The following night, two goals in added time gave the overall scoreline and inflated look as Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Real Mallorca 3-0.
as.comPosted at: 13:00 EST 12/01/2025
This is third consecutive Madrid-Barça Super Cup final with Los Blancos winning last season helped by a Vini Jr. hat-trick.
The previous year in Riyadh, it was the Catalan side who ran out winners as part of a 3-1 over their bitter rivals.
as.comPosted at: 12:57 EST 12/01/2025
Olmo on the FCB bench
As anticipated, both Pau Victor and Dani Olmo take their places on the FC Barcelona bench tonight.
Lamine, Lewandowski and Raphinha lead the line for Hansi Flick’s side.
as.comPosted at: 12:48 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 12:58 EST 12/01/2025
As for resolving the Super Cup from the spot should both teams be tied at the end of 90 minutes, only once were spot kicks needed to resolve the winner and that came back in 2020 with Real Madrid edging out Atletico in the final after the game (and extra time) ended 0-0.
as.comPosted at: 12:41 EST 12/01/2025
Still no sign of the FC Barcelona starting XI.
The club needs to submit this information, no later than 60 minutes prior to kick-off to comply with Spanish FA protocol.
as.comPosted at: 12:39 EST 12/01/2025
Countdown underway in Jeddah
Not too sure about the ‘TM’ at the end of the FC Barcelona post…
But yes, one of the best soccer rivalries in the world for sure.
as.comPosted at: 12:37 EST 12/01/2025
Robert Lewandowski / Angel Martinez / Getty Images
Plenty of water under the bridge since October 26
The last time both these sides was at the Santiago Bernabeu back on October 26, as Barça swept Madrid away in a second half blitz running out 0-4 winners and delivering a major blow to their arch rivals.
Time has moved on and Barcelona’s high press is no longer a surprise with team’s having now learned to play the Catalan giants.
Barça have struggled and have racked up five defeats in the season to date, they let slip their 10 point advantage at the top of the table going into the November international break and now sit in third place in the LaLiga table with the Madrid giants occupying first (Atleti) and second spots.
as.comPosted at: 12:33 EST 12/01/2025
Just a reminder that there is no extra time in tonight’s game and should the scoreline be level after 90 minutes, then the outcome of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup will be resolved from the penalty spot.
A sensible move given the jam packed schedule high level players are currently being subjected to.
as.comPosted at: 12:28 EST 12/01/2025
Spanish Super Cup sell-out
The 60,000 King Abdullah Sports City stadium is set to be full tonight with just a handful of tickets remaining unsold as of Sunday morning.
The first semi-final saw a crowd of 39,000 as Barça overcame Athletic with 47,000 the attendance for the second semi on Thursday as Madrid beat Real Mallorca to secure a berth in the final.
as.comPosted at: 12:23 EST 12/01/2025
Pedri, Raphinha and Lamine used in FCB post
We can pretty much guarantee that the three players mentioned above will start for Hansi Flick’s side in Jeddah tonight, given the club has used them as key figures in this pre-match social media post.
as.comPosted at: 12:06 EST 12/01/2025
Still now news from the FC Barcelona side in terms of the starting eleven with interest high to see if Dani Olmo starts.
My guess is that the former RB Leipzig man starts on the bench alongside Pau Victor, the other player implicated in this whole unpleasant mess over their ability to play that, to be fair has not reflected well of Spanish football governance.
as.comPosted at: 12:04 EST 12/01/2025
Real Madrid XI confirmed
No major surprises in the Madrid starting XI with Luka Modric now recovered from his flu that saw him miss the semi-final with the Croatian starting on the bench.
Rodrygo, Vini Jr and Mbappé head the Madrid attack.
as.comPosted at: 12:00 EST 12/01/2025 and modified at 12:27 EST 12/01/2025
First things first, let’s bring you the Real Madrid team news which was confirmed a few minutes ago …
as.comPosted at: 11:58 EST 12/01/2025
Tonight’s game also offers ‘Los Blancos’ a chance of drawing level with Barça in overall Super Cup wins with the Catalan side on 14 and Ancelotti’s side on 13.
Deportivo la Coruña and Athletic Club have been crowned Supercopa champions on three occasions.
as.comPosted at: 11:58 EST 12/01/2025
Hello and a warm welcome ahead of our coverage of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona lock horns in the Saudi city of Jeddah with the game set for a 10:pm start in the Saudi city or 2pm ET.
as.comPosted at: 11:55 EST 12/01/2025
