Barcelona versus Real Madrid, one of the biggest games in world football, took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup final and reminded everyone why this is the biggest rivalry and status in world football.
It was an EPIC and intense match where you couldn't even blink because the pace was extraordinary, with battles for every ball and amazing moments happening constantly.
After just five minutes, Kylian Mbappé received from Vinícius who broke free brilliantly and made it 1-0 for Los Blancos. But that was just the beginning.
In the 22nd minute, Lamine Yamal, still only 17, incredible, made another otherworldly move, stylishly dribbling through and smartly shooting for 1-1. Watch this goal. Does it remind you of another player who once played for Barcelona? At the 35th minute, Barcelona was awarded a penalty after an irresponsible action by Camavinga who committed a foul in the box and saw yellow, and Robert Lewandowski blasted it from the spot to complete the Catalan comeback in Saudi Arabia.
But then the blitz began. Three minutes passed and Jules Koundé delivered an amazing cross straight to Raphinha's head, who with a powerful header, with a Michael Jordan-like jump, made it 3-1 for Barça! What beauty.
Incredibly, still in the first half, in stoppage time, Barcelona launched a sweeping counter-attack that ended with Raphinha leaving the ball for Balde who did everything right - 4-1 Barcelona, and it was hard to believe only half the game had passed.
The second half started exactly as the first ended. Raphinha wreaked havoc in Real Madrid's defense, fooled Courtois too, scored his nineteenth goal of the season in all competitions making it 5-1 for Barcelona, in a display reminiscent of the great Barça of 2009. What a game! Insane.
Bored for a moment? In the 56th minute, Tchouaméni received a red card after this move, which allowed Real Madrid back into the game. Rodrygo, who was excellent, scored his sixth goal of the season, making it 5-2 with Real still having plenty of time to get back into the match.
But it didn't happen, the score remained unchanged, and Barcelona records their first title in the Hansi Flick era, winning it with pride, style, and madness, in an evening that reminded of the Blaugrana's greatest days.
That's what happened in Saudi Arabia yesterday.
This match, played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - the country that will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup - showcased the kind of high-level football that fans can expect to see in the region in the coming years. The successful hosting of such a prestigious match between two of the world's biggest clubs demonstrates Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global football as it prepares for its World Cup hosting duties.
Shabab Al Ahli, Al Nasr, Al Wasl, and Al Wahda secure wins in the Qatar-UAE Super Cup series, showcasing top Gulf football action.