Barcelona claimed a record-extending 16th Spanish Super Cup title by defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the second Clasico of the season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Raphinha scored twice and Robert Lewandowski also found the back of the net as Hansi Flick's side remained dominant over their bitter rivals by securing a fifth victory in their last six meetings with Xabi Alonso's side.
Real Madrid were outclassed by Barcelona in a baffling Spanish Super Cup final, looking a step behind their arch-rivals in a 3-2 loss that will surely increase the pressure on Xabi Alonso. There were mishaps from Rodrygo at the front and errors from Raul Asencio at the back as a glum Blancos side could neither cope defensively or get anything going in an attacking sense.
Vinicius Junior scored an amazing solo goal for Real Madrid in their Supercopa de Espana final clash with Barcelona, snapping a long barren spell in the process. The Brazilian winger had not scored since October 10 heading into the Saudi showpiece, but showed he still has the magic in his boots with a wonderful run and finish against Real's arch-rivals. It wasn't enough to give his team the edge heading in at the break, though, as the Spanish giants shared four goals between them in a crazy first 45 minutes.
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany insists he has not spoken to Lennart Karl over his recent transfer remarks regarding Real Madrid after reiterating that the teen sensation has apologised for his âcommunication mistakeâ. The Bavarians' head coach has come to the aid of the 17-year-old, who raised eyebrows earlier this month by revealing it is his âdreamâ to play for the Spanish giants.
Barcelona intend to sign Marcus Rashford permanently at the end of the season. The England international moved to the Liga champions on loan over the summer having been ostracised by then-Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. Amorim's exit earlier this week may have suggested that Rashford had a future back at Old Trafford having left under a cloud over the summer.
Real Madrid have received a massive boost ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final as manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Kylian Mbappe is flying to Saudi Arabia. The French superstar missed the semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid due to a knee issue but has trained well and is now in contention to face Barcelona in a blockbuster El Clasico showdown.
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has hit out at Atletico Madrid counterpart Diego Simeone for his treatment of Vinicius Jr during their Supercopa de Espana meeting on Thursday. Los Blancos emerged as 2-1 winners in their semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, with Federico Valverde and Rodrygo scoring for Alonso's side.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr was embroiled in more controversy on Thursday after clashing with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone while being substituted during the two teams' Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia. The pair exchanged words in a heated moment as Real Madrid won 2-1 to book a final against bitter rivals Barcelona on Sunday.
Real Madrid booked their place in the Supercopa de Espana final with a 2-1 victory over inter-city rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah on Thursday. Los Blancos opened their account through a vicious Federico Valverde free-kick after just 77 seconds, and Rodrygo doubled the lead with a well-taken finish in the 55th minute, before Alexander Sorloth pegged one back with a back-post header just moments later.
Former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta says that Sergio Ramos could be an interesting transfer option for Wrexham after leaving Liga MX club Monterrey. The 39-year-old, who won four Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns during his 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, is now available as a free agent, with Mendieta explaining why he could be tempted to north Wales.
Jude Bellingham has passionately defended Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the squad is with the coach "to the death" while dismissing reports of dressing room fractures as "invented" nonsense. The England star claims the club's current situation is "no disaster" and believes external criticism has been "blown out of proportion" despite recent stumbles.
Real Madrid are set to intensify their efforts to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after suffering a major blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender was identified as the club's primary target but is now on the verge of signing a new deal in Bavaria, forcing Los Blancos to pivot towards the German international who could cost upwards of âŹ50 million.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has issued a rallying cry ahead of the Spanish Super Cup, insisting that victory in Saudi Arabia could define their entire campaign. With Kylian Mbappe sidelined by injury, the Brazilian is ready to shoulder the burden against Atletico Madrid, believing that lifting the trophy would "change the whole dynamic" of a turbulent season under Xabi Alonso.
Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to âchoose oneâ. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.
Jude Bellingham has hit back at critics regarding his goal output this season, insisting his deeper role is necessary to accommodate Kylian Mbappeâs prolific nature at Real Madrid. The England midfielder also offered staunch support for teammate Vinicius Jr, describing the Brazilian as 'electric' despite his struggles under coach Xabi Alonso.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been warned off a move for Harry Kane, who has a ÂŁ57 million ($77m) release clause in his contract at Bayern Munich, as they would be spending âdead moneyâ. Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why the England international striker âgave away his aces too cheaplyâ when leaving Tottenham and the Premier League in 2023.
Last summer, everyone was convinced that Rodrygo simply had to leave Real Madrid. There was no way of spinning it; the brilliant Brazilian had been frozen out both by Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso, and there was no future for him at the Bernabeu.
Xabi Alonso will hope his Real Madrid side can land a statement win when they take on Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final showdown on Thursday night. The winner of the Madrid derby in Jeddah will face Barcelona in Sunday's final after the defending La Liga champions eased to a 5-0 win over over Basque giants Athletic Club on Wednesday.
The truth behind a proposed âŹ150 million (ÂŁ130m/$175m) bid from Chelsea for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has been revealed after reports the Premier League giants were planning a mammoth offer for the Brazil star ahead of the January transfer window, amid claims he is unsettled in the Spanish capital since head coach Xabi Alonso's arrival back at his old club.
Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl has apologised to club chiefs after sparking controversy with comments about his desire to join Real Madrid. The 17-year-old winger was forced to clarify his stance following an interview where he named the Spanish giants as his "dream club", but he put the noise behind him on Tuesday by scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 friendly victory over Red Bull Salzburg.
Real Madrid have suffered a massive blow ahead of the Spanish Super Cup as Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a knee injury. The French superstar will not travel to Saudi Arabia as the club adopts a 'zero risk' policy, though there is a major boost for Xabi Alonso with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to the squad after injury.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pushing Al-Nassr to launch a stunning raid for Antonio Rudiger. The experienced German defender is seeing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu run down and will become a free agent in the summer of 2026 if no extension is agreed. It is claimed that CR7 wants to see the former Chelsea centre-half join him in the Saudi Pro League.
Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl caused a stir this weekend by admitting his ultimate career dream is to join Real Madrid, despite currently developing at the Allianz Arena. While such comments often irritate the Bavarian faithful, club legend Lothar Matthaus has surprisingly defended the 17-year-old, drawing parallels with Robert Lewandowski and Florian Wirtz while revealing his own failed move to the Bernabeu.