Three takeaways from Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid | Spanish Super Cup final

For the first time since the Spanish Super Cup changed its format, a team defended its crown last night and it was Barcelona who beat Real Madrid for the second successive time in the final of the competition.

The game was far tighter than the team would have hoped for, especially with Real Madrid approaching the game with queer and unexpected tactics.

Hansi Flick’s men, however, found all the right answers when it mattered most.

Raphinha’s goal gave the team the lead in the first half, but a mayhem of goals late in the opening period saw the half end with the scoreboard reading 2-2.

In the second half, it was Raphinha who struck again in the 73rd minute to hand Barcelona the winning goal and the bragging rights.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid.

A win that could have been sweeter

Barcelona registered a well-deserved win. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid deserves to be remembered for all the positives the team brought out on the field.

However, there is a massive section of the fanbase left begging for more whose idea cannot be ignored.

Real Madrid were simply poor last night, having no buildup through the middle and a defence so fragile that Xabi Alonso had to deploy a low block in the first half.

The very fact that Los Blancos had to go for a deep-seated defence shows how they started the game with the clear mindset of giving Barcelona the possession and defending deep, only aiming to hit on the counter.

Truth be told, they did not show any valuable buildup sequences through the ninety minutes and all of their chances only came from one-off counterattacks.

Against a Real Madrid side this poor, challenged in the buildup phase and not having the punch in attack barring Vinicius Jr’s dribbles, Barcelona struggled a little too much. The game should never have been as close as it was.

The Catalans dominated the possession throughout the night, created the better chances and were the only team who were ahead. The two goals they conceded, however, were scandalous.

Jules Kounde had a horror show at the back and was virtually non-existent against Vinicius Jr while Pau Cubarsi also struggled on the night with his interceptions and clearances.

As a result, the right side of Barcelona’s defence was leaky and Real Madrid capitalised on out time and time again.

The team’s defending off the corner that led to the second equaliser was equally scandalous as they simply could not clear the ball.

The win is sweet, but the defensive performance was disastrous – particularly from Kounde and Cubarsi.

Raphinha is him

Raphinha was decisive in the final. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Ahead of the game last night, Alonso rumouredly identified Raphinha to be Barcelona’s main threat against his side, even ahead of the likes of Pedri and Lamine Yamal.

His assessment, needless to say, could not be more spot on. As the Brazilian did on numerous big game occasions last season, he stepped up and took the onus on himself to lead the team to victory.

Having already been crowned the MVP in the same game against the same opponent last season, he once again took home the MVP trophy and it is clear at this point that he is, by far, the single-most important difference maker in Hansi Flick’s team come the big nights.

Raphinha opened the scoring for Barcelona with an astounding finish past Thibaut Courtois, capitalising on a Real Madrid mistake and punishing the Belgian who is one of the most difficult goalkeepers to best on the planet.

The ease with which he pulled the trigger was reminiscent of so many goals he scored last season.

When Barcelona were looking for the lead in the second half once more, he took a half-chance and tried his luck on goal.

A deflection did indeed help his cause, but it was only good conviction and ability to get the shot out in that tricky position that even led to the deflection.

Hansi Flick’s faith in Raphinha is being paid back in spades week after week, and he is the man for the big stage. A beast under pressure.

Silverware is sweet

Hansi Flick adds another silverware to his name. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

There is no bigger takeaway from the game than the trophy Barcelona took home with them and what it means for the team going forward

For starters, the Catalans took revenge for the defeat suffered to Real Madrid earlier in the season and they did so with good dominance.

They were the better team by far, and while Real Madrid’s individual brilliance made it close, there was no question as to who deserved the title.

The celebrations, needless to say, ran deep into the night as Barcelona registered their first trophy of the new season, one that will give the dressing room a sense of belief that this year can be the same as last season, possibly even better.

With the silverware, after all, comes a mental reset, a sense of superiority and much-needed belief that the team are doing things right.

With important games coming up in La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League – the momentum will likely take the team places.

More importantly, Barcelona’s record under Hansi Flick in finals continues, with the team winning three out of three finals under the German coach.

Astoundingly, Flick has never lost a final in his managerial career and has won all eight title-deciding clashes he has overseen.