Real Madrid were crowned Spanish Super Cup champions after thumping arch-rivals FC Barcelona 4-1 on Sunday night.
Barca suffered a blow pre-match as flying attacker Raphinha was ruled due to injury, with Pedri restored, while Real recalled Andriy Lunin in goal and preferred Toni Kroos ahead of Luka Modric in midfield.
Vinicius Junior got the breakthrough on seven minutes when he turned away from Jules Kounde in the box after meeting Jude Bellingham’s pass and tucked past Inaki Pena.
The Brazilian ace bagged a double three minutes later after he checked in unopposed at the far post to slide in Dani Carvajal’s cross and leave the Catalans on the back-foot.
Former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres was inches away from the net when he regained possession off Pedri to volley against the crossbar around the six-yard area.
Barca took some time to get going but halved the lead when Lewandowski volleyed in from the edge of the box following Nacho Fernandez’s loose clearance.
However, Real restored the lead five minutes to halftime as Vinicius succumbed to Araujo’s challenge in the area to win a penalty which he converted with ease to seal a first half hat-trick.
Torres and Pedri showed smart footwork minutes in the second half and looked to get a shot in, but neither managed to bring Lunin to work.
Barcelona unveiled a double alteration later on, as Joao Felix replaced Torres before exciting winger Lamine Yamal entered for Pedri.
The Catalans conceded a fourth though after Rodrygo pounced on a mis-placed ball from Bellingham in the box following Vinicius’ layoff and executed.
It got worse for the Blaugrana under the last 20 minutes when Araujo earned his marching order for bringing down Vinicius yet again in a dangerous area.
Los Blancos were in no danger whatsoever ahead of full-time, but ran down the clock to claim an emphatic win and the cup honours too.
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