Published on 15.01.2024
Vinicius Jr scored a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup.
The winger scored twice in the first 10 minutes to put Carlo Ancelotti’s side in control in Saudi Arabia.
Robert Lewandowski pulled one back for Barca with a superb volley but Vinicius converted a 39th-minute penalty to restore Los Blancos’ two-goal lead.
Rodrygo then added a fourth in the second half before Ronald Araujo was sent off to complete Barca’s misery.
Jude Bellingham was key to the opening goal, playing the ball in behind the high line of Barcelona for Vinicius to race on to and round goalkeeper Inaki Pena to score.
Three minutes later it was Rodrygo timing his run in behind to perfection to expose Xavi’s side before crossing for Vinicius to slide in at the back post.
Barca responded well and got themselves back into the game when Alejandro Balde’s cross was only headed out to the edge of the box, allowing Lewandowski to thump in a first-time finish.
But just a few minutes later, the referee adjudged that Vinicius had been pulled down in the box by Araujo as he tried to get on the end of a cross.
Barcelona have lost both of their matches against Real Madrid so far this season, and are only guaranteed one more opportunity for redemption on April 21 in a La Liga match at the Bernabeu.
With that being said, both teams are still alive in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, so they could cross paths in either of those competitions.
