Gavi takes centre stage as Barcelona seal Spanish Super Cup glory
After both sides provided dramatic tussles in their semi-final contests, lucky ticket holders were hoping for another blockbuster affair as the white shirts of Real Madrid strolled onto the pitch looking to defend their title.
And whilst this may not have been Hollywood, Saudi Arabia’s mesmerising capital city set the perfect scene, as the competition’s record winners, draped in blue and garnet, took control of the first half with a clear message for their opponents: they would not be extras tonight.
Thibaut Courtois was forced to show his quality early on, tipping Robert Lewandowski's powerful strike onto the post with Alejandro Balde inexplicably slicing the rebound over.
Barcelona, likely smelling blood, then upped the gears and took a two-goal first-half lead. Firstly through Gavi, whose run into the area was spotted by Lewandowski just after the half-hour mark.
If the composed nature of that finish didn’t remind some of Lionel Messi, then his subsequent assist just before HT surely did. The youngster’s neat square ball for Lewandowski meant the striker fired in his 20th goal of the campaign without having to skip a beat.
In a game arguably won in midfield, Real were forced into replacing Eduardo Camavinga at HT.
That change had little effect though, with Los Blancos watching on helplessly as the ball flashed beyond their grasp.
But as eye-catching as Barcelona’s attack can be, the Catalans have shown a steely side to their defensive exploits recently.
Having conceded just six La Liga goals this season they shepherded Real through the second half, though Courtois would have to be on hand to ensure Lewandowski didn’t double his tally as the hour mark approached.
Karim Benzema cut an isolated figure as the midfield pairing of Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets - making a record-equalling 45th El Clásico appearance - hoarded the ball with gluttonous intent.
The first trophy of Xavi’s tenure was then emphatically secured through a combination of their two future stars.
Gavi once again provided the killer pass, which allowed Pedri to fire in from inside the area.
The final minutes bore witness to some exhibition football from the Barcelona midfield, in a victory that will live long in the memories of the Blaugrana faithful, though Benzema at least drew some of the pain away from a painful defeat by netting a late consolation.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gavi (Barcelona)
