FC Barcelona made an impressive comeback with a resounding 5-2 victory in the Supercopa Clásico against arch-rivals Real. Hansi Flick took his first title with the Catalans calmly, but another remained silent.
It was 60 seconds that could have broken FC Barcelona’s neck. In the fifth minute of the game, Raphinha, completely unmarked, headed wide past Thibaut Courtois; the subsequent corner flew up and over the Catalans – Kylian Mbappé scored from a counterattack to make it 1-0.
Barcelona, who had recently lost their way in the league, however, showed no signs of it and stuck to their game plan with great determination. By half-time, the supposed underdog was already leading 4-1. If keeper Wojciech Szczesny had not been sent off for an emergency brake after almost an hour, Real would probably have received an even more severe beating.
Coach Hansi Flick, who was not left cold by his first minor crisis at his new club, took his first title with the Blaugrana calmly. The former national coach spoke of an “incredible game” and immediately announced: “Now we can celebrate this great victory.”
But on Wednesday (9 p.m. CET), the Copa del Rey round of 16 awaits. Flick will be looking to build on the performance in Saudi Arabia and also put Real Betis in their place. The away game at Getafe on Saturday is no less significant given the gap to the competition in the league.
Flick wanted to enjoy the moment and was happy for “the fans, the club, my coaches, the entire staff, but also the players – they really deserved it today”. The international press was, as usual, much clearer – and more merciless with the defeated rival.
The Italian Corriere dello Sport had seen a “new humiliation” for Carlo Ancelotti. L’Equipe in France even wrote of “two monumental slaps in the face for Real in just 78 days” – Barcelona won 4-0 in Madrid on October 26.
Juve initially rebuffed: What does Araujo do?
Ronald Araujo, however, was not available for statements after winning the final. The Uruguayan, who had been out with an injury for a long time, came on for the injured Inigo Martinez after half an hour and held the fort with teenager Pau Cubarsi.
However, Araujo has long had his departure in the back of his mind, with a move to Juventus Turin in the offing for months. His agent recently confirmed various offers from the Bianconeri, but they have not yet been able to reach an agreement with Barcelona. According to Marca, the Catalans recently rejected an offer of 35 million euros. Araujo remained silent on the matter on Sunday evening – preferring to enjoy the victory.
