The Supercopa de España final is here again, and fans couldn’t have asked for a better showdown—Barcelona taking on Real Madrid! This clash of Spanish football giants isn’t just another game; it’s a continuation of a rivalry that has defined football for decades. With both teams earning their spot in this year’s final, all eyes are on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to see who will lift the trophy in the 2023/24 season.
Before the match kicks off, let’s take a look at their fascinating head-to-head history in the competition and relive some unforgettable moments.
How Barcelona and Real Madrid Made It to the Final
Since the Supercopa de España adopted its revamped four-team format in 2020, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have had to overcome semi-finals to reach the final. This year was no different.
- Real Madrid: They triumphed over Atletico Madrid in a dramatic extra-time thriller.
- Barcelona: They edged out Osasuna with a commanding performance.
Now, it’s time for another El Clásico, a rivalry that has given football fans countless unforgettable moments.
A Rivalry Full of History
Barcelona and Real Madrid have faced each other 16 times in the Supercopa de España over the years. The battles between these teams have always been intense, with Real Madrid holding the upper hand:
- Real Madrid wins: 9
- Barcelona wins: 5
- Draws: 2
Here’s a closer look at some of the most iconic encounters:
1997: Real Madrid’s Dominance in a Two-Legged Thriller
Back when the Supercopa was decided over two legs, the 1997 clash was one to remember.
- First leg: Barcelona took a slim advantage with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Miguel Angel Nadal and Giovanni.
- Second leg: Real Madrid came roaring back at home. Raul dazzled with two sublime finishes, while Mijatovic and Seedorf sealed a stunning 4-1 win.
It was a dominant performance that etched Real Madrid’s name on the trophy.
2011: Messi’s Magic Steals the Show
Fast forward to 2011, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona faced Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in a fiery two-legged clash.
- First leg: A 2-2 draw at the Bernabéu set the stage for a thrilling return.
- Second leg: Lionel Messi stole the spotlight at Camp Nou. With two goals and an assist, including a dramatic late winner, he secured a 3-2 victory for Barcelona, giving them the Supercopa title for the third consecutive year.
This match wasn’t just about football—it was about the rivalry, with touchline drama adding to the spectacle.
2022: A Semi-Final Thriller in Extra Time
Under the revamped format, Barcelona and Real Madrid met in the 2022 semi-final.
- Key moments:
- Vinicius Junior opened the scoring with a brilliant strike.
- Luuk de Jong equalized with a stroke of luck, redirecting a clearance into the net.
- Federico Valverde sealed the win for Madrid in extra time after a quick counter-attack.
Madrid went on to beat Athletic Club in the final, lifting their 12th Supercopa trophy.
The Players Who Shine in El Clásico Supercopa Clashes
Over the years, some of the world’s best players have lit up these games with their brilliance. Here’s a look at the top scorers in Supercopa history between Barcelona and Real Madrid:
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona): 6 goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): 4 goals
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): 4 goals
- Raul (Real Madrid): 3 goals
- Jose Mari Bakero (Barcelona): 3 goals
What’s at Stake in 2023/24?
This year’s final is about more than just the trophy—it’s about bragging rights in one of the fiercest rivalries in football. Will Barcelona close the gap in their Supercopa head-to-head record? Or will Real Madrid assert their dominance once again?
As the two teams prepare to take the field, fans around the world are gearing up for yet another epic battle.
Don’t miss this iconic clash—it’s going to be one for the history books!
