A spectacular Clasico ended 3-2 for Real Madrid, who advance to the Supercopa final after extra time. Only their third lead was enough for the Spanish league leaders, who claimed their fifth Clasico win in a row.
With four recent Clasicos wins and generally better form behind them, Real Madrid went into the first semi-final of the Supercopa held in Saudi Arabia favoured. The more practised Royals, who wanted to catch their rivals off guard primarily by switching quickly, initially made the more dangerous impression.
After Benzema won the ball high against Busquets, the Frenchman sent forward partner Vinicius on his way, who outran Araujo and kept his cool in front of ter Stegen (25.). In the aftermath of the deserved goal, however, Spain’s league leaders withdrew and the Catalans, who were becoming more active, took command of the game.
Shot at, shot in
At first, FCB only managed to become dangerous via crosses, but after two good header chances by Luuk de Jong (30th, 32nd), the Dutchman brought Barcelona the equaliser in this way – and how: Militao actually wanted to knock away Dembelé’s cross, but shot at Luuk de Jong at his own five, from whom the ball first hit the post and then bounced into the goal for 1-1 (41.).
Barça came out of the dressing room much better than Real, who completely missed the first ten minutes of the second period. Through Pedri (49th) and Dembelé (54th), the pressing Catalans had two promising chances to shoot, but they could not convert their superiority into anything worthwhile.
Ansu Fati forces extra-time
After an hour, the favourites became more active again and shifted most of the action back into Barcelona’s half. But there had been no sign of one for a while – so Benzema thought: All good things come in threes. The Frenchman failed to score with a shot against the post (69th) and a curling shot (72nd), but Carvajal’s subsequent cross into the net (72nd) was the 34-year-old’s first goal.
Once again, FC Barcelona did not let themselves down. Joker Ansu Fati, of all people, who celebrated his comeback after an injury break, was left too free after an Alba cross. The teenager headed into the far corner (83rd) and forced extra time, which was justified by the performance.
Madrid counter Barcelona
The most eventful Clasico in years remained eventful. Although it was Barça who started the extra time with much more determination, the substitute Valverde then shot the Spanish record champions in front for a third time (98th) after a raiding counterattack. The Catalans fought back with tight shots from Busquets and Dembelé, Courtois parried both (101st).
It was only in the second half of extra time that both sides gradually ran out of steam. Barcelona could only generate limited pressure, Madrid kept taking time off the clock. Nevertheless, FCB still had one big chance when Ansu Fati went for a bicycle kick from six metres in the 121st minute but failed to hit the ball cleanly.
In the final, the Blancos will face the winner of the second semi-final, which will be contested on Thursday by Atletico Madrid and defending champions Athletic Club from Bilbao.
