View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Barcelona secure first trophy under Xavi

Xavi Hernandez secured his first trophy as manager of FC Barcelona, who defeated Real Madrid 3-1 to claim the Spanish Super Cup title on Sunday night.

Madrid welcomed back Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric from the penalty shoot-out win over Valencia, while Barca had Sergio Busquets, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde back in the side.

The Blaugrana asked the early questions when a thumping shot by Robert Lewandowski forced Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to tip onto the woodwork.

In a pretty swift response, Los Blancos witnessed a charging run by Mendy resulting in a cross in the area which met the head of Karim Benzema who unfortunately nodded wide.

Barcelona got the opening soon after, as misplaced possession from Madrid saw Lewandowski sneak in and set-up Gavi to find the opener with a low finish from 10-yards out.

The latter then reserved roles on the cusp of halftime when he delivered a telling ball in the area for Lewandowski to tap past Courtois following an enterprising passing move.

Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti turned to his bench ahead of the second half and threw on Rodrygo for Eduardo Camavinga.

Real were still on the back-foot early on from the resumption and nearly conceded a third goal through Ousmane Dembele's snap attempt, but Courtois spread clear and made a sprawling save.

The Blaugrana went on to bag a third goal with another mis-placed pass, which Lewandowski picked up and cutback for Pedri to apply a stern far post finish.

Lewandowski looked to give Barca a fourth in audacious fashion late on following a shot from way out as he spotted Courtois off his line, but the attempt went wide.

Madrid pulled one back well in stoppage time through a telling finish from Benzema off Carvajal's cross, but it was just a consolation as Barcelona emerged victorious to secure their 14th Super Cup crown.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click here to register: Sign In

Related tags

Comments