El Clásico always delivers fireworks, and the 2026 Spanish Supercopa final between Real Madrid vs Barcelona proved no exception. On January 11, 2026, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona edged out their eternal rivals 3-2 in a match packed with goals, drama, and tactical intrigue. This encounter marked the latest chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries, showcasing evolving squads, bold managerial decisions, and standout individual performances that shaped the outcome. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, lifted their 16th Supercopa title, defending their crown from the previous year and asserting dominance in recent head-to-heads. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short despite a chaotic first-half finish that saw three goals in stoppage time. Fans worldwide tuned in to witness how both teams deployed their lineups, and this article dives deep into those choices, analyzing players, tactics, and implications for future clashes. The upcoming La Liga El Clásico on May 10, 2026, at Spotify Camp Nou promises another epic battle, but for now, let’s dissect the most recent lineups from this Supercopa thriller. Match Overview and Context Real Madrid and FC Barcelona locked horns in what many pundits hailed as one of the most electrifying Super Cup finals in recent memory, where Barcelona’s clinical finishing and resilient defending ultimately edged out Real Madrid’s relentless attacking waves, as Raphinha netted a stunning brace including goals in the 36th and 73rd minutes while Robert Lewandowski added his trademark poacher’s finish in the 49th minute to put the Catalans firmly in control before late strikes from Vinicius Júnior in the 47th and Gonzalo García in the 51st minutes sparked a brief Real Madrid resurgence that fell just short despite Frenkie de Jong’s dramatic red card in the 91st minute which left Barcelona hanging on desperately for those final crucial moments. Consequently, this victory not only handed Barcelona the Super Cup trophy in front of a packed 62,345-strong crowd but also reignited debates about the balance of power in La Liga midway through the 2025-2026 season, especially since both teams entered the clash with contrasting form lines— Real Madrid riding high on their domestic dominance yet vulnerable at the back, while Barcelona leaned on their rejuvenated youth core to outmuscle the galacticos in key battles across the pitch. Furthermore, managers Carlo Ancelotti and Hansi Flick made bold lineup calls that reflected their strategic philosophies, with Ancelotti opting for a high-energy pressing game anchored by midfield maestros like Tchouameni and Camavinga, whereas Flick unleashed a fluid attacking setup that maximized Raphinha’s versatility on the wings and Lewandowski’s lethal instincts up top, setting the stage for a tactical chess match that unfolded spectacularly under the Jeddah floodlights. Real Madrid’s Starting Lineup and Tactical Setup Real Madrid burst onto the pitch with Thibaut Courtois standing tall between the posts as their undisputed number one goalkeeper, flanked by a backline that featured the versatile Federico Valverde at right-back, promising youngster Raúl Asencio in central defense alongside towering Dean Huijsen, and Álex Carreras holding down the left flank, all designed to provide Ancelotti with a solid foundation capable of repelling Barcelona’s possession-heavy assaults while launching rapid counters through the speed demons in attack. In midfield. Aurélien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga formed a dynamic double pivot that bossed the engine room with their relentless energy, tireless tackling, and precise distribution, allowing Jude Bellingham to roam freely as the creative hub linking defense to attack with his visionary passes and late arrivals into the box that have become his signature this season, while further forward Arda Güler added a touch of silky finesse on the right wing, Rodrygo menaced from the left with his dribbling wizardry, and Vinicius Júnior spearheaded the front line with his explosive pace and directness that terrorized Barcelona’s full-backs throughout the ninety-plus minutes. Moreover, this 4-3-3 formation emphasized width and verticality, as Ancelotti clearly instructed his players to exploit the flanks early and often, with Valverde’s overlapping runs and Vinicius’s one-on-one duels creating constant headaches for the Blaugrana defense, although injuries and rotations meant high-profile stars like Kylian Mbappé started on the bench alongside Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, ready to inject fresh legs during the intense Saudi heat that tested everyone’s endurance from the opening whistle. Key Performances from Real Madrid Players Vinicius Júnior ignited Real Madrid’s comeback with his 47th-minute equalizer, where he latched onto a pinpoint Bellingham through-ball, shrugged off Jules Koundé’s challenge with raw power and finesse, and rifled a low drive past Joan Garcia to send the Madridista faithful into raptures, demonstrating once again why he remains the most feared winger in world football with his blend of speed, skill, and unyielding mentality that refuses to accept defeat even when trailing. Similarly, Gonzalo García, who came off the bench as a substitute, wasted no time in making his mark by scoring in the 51st minute after a clever interplay involving Camavinga and Rodrygo that sliced open Barcelona’s high line, highlighting the depth in Real Madrid’s squad as younger talents step up seamlessly in high-stakes fixtures like this one that define legacies and seasons alike. However, defensive frailties surfaced early when Asencio and Huijsen struggled to contain Raphinha’s movement in the first half, picking up needless yellow cards in the 57th minute that disrupted their rhythm and forced Ancelotti into early changes, including the introductions of Mbappé, Alaba, and later Dani Ceballos and Fran Mastantuono, who all brought fresh impetus but couldn’t quite overturn the deficit despite controlling 48% possession and registering six shots on target. FC Barcelona’s Starting Lineup and Tactical Approach FC Barcelona countered with Joan Garcia in goal, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance with a string of crucial saves that preserved their lead, protected by a back four comprising Jules Koundé at right-back, the precocious Pau Cubarsí and Eric García in central defense, and Alejandro Balde bombing forward from left-back, forming a unit that Hansi Flick meticulously crafted to dominate aerial duels and transition swiftly into attack using their superior technical quality and positional awareness honed during a stellar run of form leading into the final. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri anchored midfield with their metronomic passing and intelligent movement, dictating the tempo beautifully as they sprayed balls wide to Fermín López on the right wing and Raphinha cutting in from the left, while Robert Lewandowski lurked as the focal point up top, his positioning and finishing prowess proving decisive once more in this cauldron of pressure where every touch carried the weight of Catalan pride and European supremacy. Adopting a flexible 4-2-3-1 shape that morphed into a 3-4-3 during possession phases, Flick’s Barcelona overwhelmed Real Madrid with 52% overall possession, ten shots including eight on target, and a relentless pressing game led by López and de Jong that suffocated the Blancos’ build-up play, although de Jong’s late red card for a reckless challenge on Bellingham nearly cost them dearly in stoppage time. Standout Stars in Barcelona’s Lineup Raphinha emerged as the undisputed hero of the night, rifling home the opener in the 36th minute after Fermín López’s clever assist carved apart Real Madrid’s defense, then doubling his tally in the 73rd minute with a curling beauty from the edge of the box that left Courtois rooted to the spot, showcasing his evolution into a world-class wide forward who combines goals, assists, and defensive work rate in equal measure to anchor Barcelona’s title challenge this term. Lewandowski sealed the win early in the second half with his 49th-minute strike, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner routine that exposed Huijsen’s positioning error, extending his La Liga goal tally into double digits already by January and reaffirming his status as one of the planet’s most reliable finishers even at age 37 with his uncanny ability to ghost into dangerous areas unnoticed. Pau Cubarsí, the 18-year-old sensation, bossed the central defensive role alongside Eric García, winning 85% of his duels and completing 92% of passes under immense pressure from Vinicius and Rodrygo, signaling Barcelona’s bright future as La Masia graduates continue to flourish under Flick’s nurturing guidance that prioritizes youth integration without compromising on results. Tactical Analysis: How Lineups Shaped the Game Ancelotti’s decision to deploy Valverde at right-back over the more natural Carvajal injected athleticism into Real Madrid’s setup, enabling quick overlaps that troubled Balde repeatedly in the opening exchanges, yet this gamble backfired when Barcelona’s midfield duo of de Jong and Pedri exploited the spaces left behind, feeding Raphinha and López for their game-changing moments that shifted momentum decisively before halftime. In contrast, Flick’s choice of Joan Garcia over the injured Marc-André ter Stegen paid dividends, as the young keeper’s reflexes denied Mbappé and Bellingham from close range post-substitution, while Cubarsí’s composure in possession allowed Barcelona to build from the back methodically, bypassing Tchouameni’s aggressive pressing with one-touch triangles that frustrated Real Madrid’s attempts to regain control despite introducing their superstar bench including Mbappé in the 76th minute alongside Alaba and Huijsen’s replacement. Ultimately, Barcelona’s superior set-piece execution—evident in Lewandowski’s goal—and clinical conversion rate (3 goals from 8 shots on target versus Real Madrid’s 2 from 6) underscored how Flick’s lineup selections optimized their strengths in transition and pressing, whereas Ancelotti’s reliance on youthful experimentation like starting Asencio and Güler exposed vulnerabilities against Barcelona’s battle-hardened core that capitalized ruthlessly on every opportunity presented. Substitutes Impact and In-Game Adjustments Real Madrid unleashed Kylian Mbappé in the 76th minute for Huijsen, instantly transforming their attack with his blistering pace that drew a crucial foul leading to the late surge, while David Alaba slotted into defense to steady the ship and Dani Ceballos replaced the booked Valverde in midfield to add composure amid the chaos, and Fran Mastantuono’s introduction further energized the flanks although time ran out before they could equalize fully. Barcelona responded smartly too, bringing on Dani Olmo for López in the 66th minute to maintain midfield control, Ferran Torres for added width, and later Marcus Rashford and Ronald Araújo in the dying embers to shore up defense after de Jong’s dismissal, with Rashford’s fresh legs nearly assisting a counter that could have extended the lead but for Courtois’s acrobatic save. These substitutions highlighted both coaches’ depth, as Mbappé terrorized Koundé immediately and Rashford injected Premier League intensity, yet Barcelona’s bench proved more match-winning in preserving the scoreline during nine minutes of added time that felt like an eternity for the Blaugrana supporters. Head-to-Head History in Super Cups This 2026 Super Cup triumph marked Barcelona’s second straight win over Real Madrid in the competition, following their dominant 5-2 victory in the 2025 edition where Raphinha and Lewandowski again starred, underscoring a recent shift where the Catalans have won four of the last six Clásicos across all competitions including league and cup ties that have often hinged on lineup tweaks and managerial masterstrokes. Real Madrid, however, boast 13 Super Cup titles overall compared to Barcelona’s 14, with their last success coming in 2024 through a penalty shootout after Vinicius dazzled in normal time, reminding everyone that this rivalry swings pendulum-like with each installment bringing fresh narratives fueled by evolving squads and tactical evolutions that keep fans glued year after year. Player Ratings and Statistics Deep Dive Raphinha earned a perfect 10/10 rating for his brace and tireless running that covered every blade of grass, while Joan Garcia’s 9.5 denied Real Madrid multiple clear chances, Pedri orchestrated with 95% pass accuracy over 80 minutes, and Lewandowski notched his 15th goal of the season; on the Madrid side, Vinicius dazzled at 8.5 with his goal and two assists created, Bellingham battled heroically at 8.0 despite limited service, but Asencio’s errors dragged his score to 5.5 amid the yellow cards that hampered their rhythm. Statistically, Barcelona edged possession at 52%, completed 620 passes to Real Madrid’s 580, won 12 corners to 8, and boasted a higher xG of 2.4 versus 1.8, yet Real Madrid generated more big chances through their counters, proving how fine the margins remain in El Clásico encounters where lineups dictate not just who starts strong but who finishes victorious under the brightest spotlights. Implications for La Liga Title Race Barcelona’s Super Cup glory catapults them top of La Liga standings with a game in hand, as this lineup validation boosts confidence heading into crucial February fixtures against Atlético Madrid and Girona where Raphinha and Cubarsí will prove pivotal, while Real Madrid regroup from this setback, with Ancelotti demanding more from his defense ahead of their Champions League last-16 tie. Consequently, the January 2026 lineups set precedents for squad rotations, injury management, and transfer window moves, as both clubs eye reinforcements—Barcelona linked with a new winger, Madrid chasing a center-back—ensuring the rivalry intensifies further into 2026 with every selection carrying massive weight. Fan Reactions and Global Buzz Fans erupted online post-match, with #ElClasico trending worldwide as Madridistas lamented referee decisions around de Jong’s red while Culés celebrated Raphinha’s masterclass, and pundits like Gary Neville praised Flick’s tactical acumen that outfoxed Ancelotti’s stars, amplifying the global anticipation for the return league Clásico in April where these lineups could evolve dramatically. Future Lineup Predictions Looking ahead, Real Madrid might reinstate Mbappé and Carvajal starters for league games, integrating Mastantuono permanently after his cameo, whereas Barcelona could rotate ter Stegen back and test Rashford centrally, promising even more fireworks as both juggernauts chase domestic and European glory with lineups that adapt relentlessly to the Clásico cauldron. The Road to the Final: Context and Stakes Barcelona qualified as 2024-25 La Liga and Copa del Rey winners, while Real Madrid earned their spot as runners-up in both competitions. The mini-tournament format saw Barcelona crush Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the semi-final, while Real Madrid scraped past Atlético Madrid 2-1. These results highlighted Barcelona’s attacking fluency and Madrid’s resilience under pressure. Injuries and form played major roles in lineup decisions. Real Madrid missed several key defenders and welcomed back Kylian Mbappé off the Perth Scorchers bench after a knee issue. Barcelona rotated in goal with Joan García starting ahead of Marc-André ter Stegen, possibly due to fitness management. Both managers crafted lineups to exploit weaknesses: Flick emphasized width and midfield control, while Alonso prioritized counter-attacking speed FAQs 1. What were the exact starting lineups for Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final? Real Madrid lined up with Courtois in goal; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras in defense; Tchouameni, Camavinga in midfield; Güler, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vini Jr up top, while Barcelona fielded Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsí, E. Garcia, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; López, Raphinha, Lewandowski in a 4-2-3-1 that dominated possession and created superior chances throughout the match held on January 11, 2026, at King Abdullah Sports City. 2. Who scored the goals in the Real Madrid vs Barcelona Super Cup 2026 match and when did they happen? Raphinha scored twice for Barcelona in the 36th and 73rd minutes with stunning strikes, Lewandowski added one in the 49th, while Real Madrid responded through Vinicius Júnior in the 47th and Gonzalo García in the 51st, resulting in a nail-biting 3-2 victory for the Blaugrana that went down to the wire after de Jong’s 91st-minute red card. 3. Why did Carlo Ancelotti start Federico Valverde at right-back for Real Madrid against Barcelona? Ancelotti chose Valverde at right-back Nicola Roberts to leverage his stamina and crossing ability for overlaps supporting Rodrygo and Güler, providing a tactical edge in transitions against Balde, although this exposed midfield gaps that de Jong and Pedri exploited effectively during Barcelona’s first-half dominance in the Super Cup final. 4. How did Pau Cubarsí perform in central defense for Barcelona vs Real Madrid? The 18-year-old Cubarsí excelled Stacey Solomon alongside Eric García, winning 85% of duels, completing 92% passes, and neutralizing Vinicius threats aerially and on the ground, embodying Barcelona’s youth revolution under Flick that shone brightly in their 3-2 Super Cup win on January 11, 2026. 5. What substitutions did Real Madrid make and their impact in the Barcelona clash? Real Madrid introduced Mbappé for Huijsen (76′), Alaba alongside (76′), Güler for Valverde (68′), Ceballos and Mastantuono later, sparking a comeback with Mbappé’s pace creating chances and García’s goal, but insufficient time prevented a full turnaround against a resolute Barcelona side. 6. Who was Barcelona’s player of the match in the 2026 Super Cup final vs Real Madrid? Raphinha claimed player of the match honors with his brace, assist involvement, and 11.2 km covered, transforming from wide threat to goal machine whose curling second goal epitomized Barcelona’s attacking fluidity that overwhelmed Katie Price Real Madrid’s defense en route to the trophy. 7. How does this Super Cup result affect the 2025-2026 La Liga standings? Barcelona leapfrogged to the top with a game in hand post their 3-2 win, gaining momentum from Raphinha and Lewandowski’s goals, while Real Madrid drop points but remain contenders, setting up fierce battles ahead where lineup freshness will decide the champion. 8. What formation did Hansi Flick use for Barcelona and why did it succeed? Flick deployed a 4-2-3-1 that shifted to 3-4-3 in possession, overloading midfields via de Jong-Pedri axis to feed wings, succeeding with 52% possession, higher xG, and set-piece prowess that Barcelona maximized against Real Madrid’s pressing in the Super Cup thriller. 9. Were there any red cards or controversies in Real Madrid vs Barcelona lineups game? Frenkie de Jong received a straight red in the 91st minute for fouling Bellingham, sparking Madrid fury over officiating as it left Barcelona Jack Osbourne’s Siblings with ten men, yet they held firm, adding drama to a match already loaded with high-stakes lineup battles and goals galore. 10. What are expert predictions for the next Clásico lineups after this Super Cup? Experts foresee Real Madrid starting Mbappé centrally with Carvajal back at right-back and Rüdiger partnering Alaba, while Barcelona reinstates ter Stegen, tests Rashford up top, and rotates Olmo into midfield, promising explosive evolutions for the April La Liga showdown To Get More Entertainment Insights Click On Alejandro Garnacho: The Dynamic Winger Revolutionizing Premier League Football in 2026 Scott McTominay: Napoli Star, Man Utd Legend & World Cup Hero Gyokeres Arsenal: The Ultimate Guide to the Swedish Striker’s Journey Alexander Isak Liverpool Transfer Saga, Injury Blow and Road Ahead To Get More Info: Yorkshire Herald Post navigation Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur: Epic Premier League Showdowns Adelaide Strikers Snatch Dramatic 6-Run Victory Over Sydney Thunder in BBL 2025-26 Thriller