Jules Kounde says that Barcelona were always confident of success against Real Madrid after running out 5-2 victors in the Spanish Super Cup.

Hans Flick’s side beat Real Madrid 4-0 in La Liga earlier this season and made light work of Los Blancos again in Saudi Arabia.

Kounde said he always thought they would go home with the trophy.

“We hadn’t won a title this season. Now we have an El Clasico against Real Madrid! We were calm and patient and knew that, by applying the game plan, we were going to win,” he told Movistar.

“I’m very happy and proud of the team. We had the advantage in goals and, after the expulsion, we met the challenge and did not let it slip away.

“It gives us a boost of confidence. We now have a title that we wanted.”

The win should provide a big morale boost, particularly after a disappointing end to 2024, and Barcelona will hope they can now get back on track in La Liga and challenge in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.