January 15, (THEWILL) – A clinical first-half hat-trick from Vinicius Junior propelled Real Madrid to a convincing 4-1 victory over rivals Barcelona on Sunday evening in Riyadh, giving Los Blancos their 13th Spanish Super Cup trophy.
The Brazilian winger capitalised on Barcelona’s high defensive line in the early stages, latching onto incisive through balls from Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo to clinically finish past Inaki Pena. Despite Ferran Torres hitting the crossbar and Robert Lewandowski, volleying in a riposte, Vinicius completed his treble from the penalty spot after Ronald Araujo’s foul.
Lewandowski’s fine goal proved but a consolation, as Barcelona unravelled in the second period. Araujo saw red for a poor challenge on Vinicius before Rodrygo tapped in at the far post to compound Barça’s misery. Madrid continued to threaten through Bellingham, but Kounde cleared off the line as the scoreline remained 4-1.
The emphatic Super Cup victory will come as sweet revenge for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who suffered defeat to Barcelona in last year’s final. The Italian manager’s tactical tweaks paid dividends, with Los Blancos lethal on the counter to blow away a ponderous Barcelona midfield.
Xavi Hernandez will be left wondering how to stop this Real Madrid side, who look poised to battle for other major honours, including the La Liga title, in this campaign.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
