Spanish giant FC Barcelona have won the Spanish Super Cup, defeating their arch-rival Real Madrid. Barcelona literally humiliated Los Blancos in the final of the Super Cup. Barca’s two young midfielders, Pedri and Gavi, were fantastic in this El Clasico.
Since the departure of Xavi and Iniesta, Barcelona have been suffering in their midfield. They couldn’t find the right replacement for these two players. There is, however, now a belief that Pedri and Gavi can be the successors of Xavi and Iniesta. Last night, this midfield duo proved that once again. Both players found the net for Barcelona in the Super Cup final.
As it happened
At King Fahad Stadium, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez set up the team formation with 4-2-3-1. The manager was more focused on his midfield. He deployed Frankie de Jong and Sergio Busquets as the defending midfielders, while Pedri and Gavi played a bit upper side. On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti played his team in his usual 4-3-3 formation.
Xavi Hernandez tactically beat Carlo Ancelotti in the midfield. Xavi chose to use very young talented midfielders, while Ancelotti chose Luka Modric and Tony Kroos, both of whom are experienced. But Ancelotti’s plan didn’t work out. Frankie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi outplayed Real Madrid in the midfield.
Moreover, Madrid’s defense was not quick enough to face speedy players like Dembele, Pedri, and Gavi. That is why Real Madrid conceded the first goal in the 33rd minute as Gavi scored from a counter-attack.
Gavi once again contributed to the 2nd goal. In the 45th minute, Barcelona doubled their lead as Robert Lewandowksi found the net with the help of Gavi. As a result, the first half ended in a 2-0 margin.
Returning from the break, Real Madrid tried hard to get back on track. They created several chances in the 2nd half but failed to score. Moreover, Barcelona killed the game by scoring another one. This time, Pedri wrote his name on the scoresheet with a brilliant striker. However, Karim Benzema returned a goal for Real Madrid at the very last minute. But it couldn’t help the team.
Xavi’s reaction
Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is very happy to win the final against Real Madrid. He said, “I am very satisfied because I really like how we played. Today we didn’t lose balls, and the midfielders have understood their assignments very well.”
The manager added, “We have played better, but I am happy for the players because they have received a lot of unfair criticism and many players have freed themselves. It is a title against Madrid and we have to be very proud. Leo’s departure was difficult to digest. But we are creating a team.”
