Raphinha delivered a standout performance on Sunday as FC Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3–2 to lift the Spanish Super Cup in a pulsating final in Jeddah. The Brazilian winger scored twice, proving decisive in a dramatic clash marked by relentless pressure, a red card, and late tension.
After the match, Raphinha highlighted the personal significance of the night, crediting Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick for restoring his confidence at a time when his future at the club seemed uncertain.
"I always say he was the person who changed everything for me," Raphinha said. "I was leaving the club, had one foot out, and he told me what a player needs. He gives you the confidence to do your job well. That helps things turn out better."
Flick praised the winger’s mentality and influence, noting how his response to adversity lifted the entire team. "His mentality is unbelievable, his dynamic affects the whole team," Flick said. "He missed the first chance, but the second one he scored and gave the team more confidence. This is what Raphinha brings on the pitch—intensity and drive, which we need."
The final lived up to expectations, with Barcelona and Madrid exchanging blows in a breathless first half that ended 2–2. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a composed left-foot finish, only for Vinicius Junior to respond with a brilliant solo effort. Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead, before Gonzalo García equalised on the stroke of half-time.
The decisive moment came after the break when Raphinha struck from outside the area; the shot took a crucial deflection past Thibaut Courtois. Barcelona then held firm under late pressure, enduring a red card for Frenkie de Jong and the introduction of Kylian Mbappé, to secure the trophy.
The win marked Barcelona’s second consecutive Super Cup title and their first silverware of the season. Flick hopes the resilience shown in Saudi Arabia, coupled with Raphinha’s revitalised form, can fuel a sustained push for success across multiple competitions.
