Vinicius Junior bagged a hat-trick as Real Madrid were crowned Spanish Super Cup champions after thrashing rivals FC Barcelona 4-1 on Sunday night.
Spanish Super Cup Final
Result: Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona
Date: 14 January 2024
Venue: Al Awal Park at King Saud University
Los Blancos made two changes following their win over Atletico Madrid, as goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and Toni Kroos were recalled, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior leading the attack, supported by Jude Bellingham.
Blaugrana, meanwhile, made only one alteration after beating Osasuna, as Pedri replaced the injured Raphinha to join Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski upfront.
Vinicius Junior gave Madrid a dream start after he got the opener with just seven minutes on the clock with a finish one-on-one with shot-stopper Inaki Pena in the box after a through ball by Bellingham.
Carlo Ancelotti's charges remained on the front foot as Vinicius Junior doubled their lead and completed his brace three minutes later with a tap-in after he was teed by Rodrygo, whose initial shot was saved by Pena.
Barca were fired up and almost pulled a goal back moments later after Torres had a shot that crashed against the crossbar.
Xavi's men gained momentum and confidence as just after the half-hour mark, Lewandowski eventually equalised with a first-time shot on the edge of the box.
However, the Catalan giants shot themselves in the foot towards the interval as Ronald Araujo conceded a penalty for a pull in the box.
Vinicius Junior stepped up and restored a two-goal cushion for Madrid and completed his hat-trick.
Barca struggled to create clear chances from the break and Xavi made a double attacking change on the hour-mark, as Joao Felix and Lamine Yamal replaced both Torres and Pedri for fresh legs.
However, Rodrygo put the game beyond doubt for Ancelotti's men moments later with a strike from a rebound in the box, 4-1.
It went from bad to worse for Blaugrana with 21 minutes to go, as they were reduced to ten men after Araujo got a second booking for a bad foul and was red-carded.
As a result, Madrid were comfortable towards the end, as they were crowned champions for the 13th time, one title behind record-winners, Barca.
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