FC Barcelona has started the year 2026 in the best possible way: by winning the Spanish Super Cup for the second consecutive year against its eternal rival, Real Madrid.

In a vibrant final played on January 11 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), the Catalans won 3-2 in a Clásico full of emotions, comebacks and drama until the last breath.

Raphinha’s double (36th and 73rd minutes) and Robert Lewandowski’s goal (45+4) were enough to defeat a Madrid that responded with goals from Vinícius Júnior (45+2) and Gonzalo García (45+7), but could not avoid defeat.

However, the real protagonist of the post-match was not one of the scorers nor the young Lamine Yamal, who shone with his constant overflow. It was Joan García, Barcelona’s revelation goalkeeper, who received the most glowing praise from president Joan Laporta.

According to eyewitnesses in the Blaugrana locker room, Laporta burst in immediately after the final whistle, still with adrenaline pumping, and headed straight towards the goalkeeper.

With a smile from ear to ear and hugging him tightly, he snapped: «You humiliated Real Madrid! What you have done today has been incredible, you have been decisive in lifting this trophy!

These words, which are already circulating like wildfire on social networks and in the hallways of the Camp Nou, summarize the impact that García had in the final.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper, signed as a solid alternative after the departures of Ter Stegen and the irregularity of some substitutes, made up to six key saves during the 90 minutes plus stoppage time. In particular they stand out:

A spectacular stretch on Vinícius Júnior’s cross shot in the 51st minute, when Madrid was looking for an equalizer. A save to Rodrygo in the 62nd minute, avoiding the 2-3 score that would have changed the direction of the match.

Two miraculous interventions in stoppage time: one on a shot by Álvaro Carreras and another on a header by Asencio, preserving the 3-2 when Madrid played with numerical superiority after the expulsion of Frenkie de Jong for a hard tackle on Mbappé.

García not only avoided extra time or penalties; He transmitted a security that infected the entire defense. His performance was so dominant that even Xabi Alonso, Madrid coach, acknowledged at a press conference: «Joan García has been immense. “He was the best of the game without a doubt.”

Hansi Flick, for his part, did not skimp on adjectives: «Joan is an elite goalkeeper. “His concentration and leadership from behind were key in such an intense match.”

Laporta, known for his passion and for not hesitant to enter the locker room to personally congratulate the heroes, saw in García the perfect symbol of this victory.

The president, who has bet heavily on generational renewal and defensive solidity since his return in 2021, was amazed by the goalkeeper’s maturity. Sources close to the club claim that Laporta told him: “You have humiliated Madrid with your stops.

“You have shown that this Barça is unstoppable when they defend like today.” The moment was captured by several mobile phones of players and staff, and although it has not been officially published, it has already been leaked in Instagram stories and WhatsApp groups of fans.

This gesture from Laporta is not coincidental. Barça has won three consecutive finals against Real Madrid (2025 Super Cup 5-2, 2025 Copa del Rey 3-2 and now this 2026 Super Cup 3-2), a historic milestone that has not occurred for decades.

The 16th Super Cup title makes Barcelona the most successful club in the competition, surpassing Madrid in this particular record. And García, who had barely been an undisputed starter until this season, has emerged as one of the pillars of this winning project.

The match itself was a spectacle worthy of the great Clásicos. Barça opened the scoring with a great goal from Raphinha after a great combination with Lamine Yamal. Vinícius equalized with a prodigious individual play in first-half stoppage time (a shot to Koundé included).

Lewandowski restored the lead almost immediately with a shot after Pedri’s cross. In the second half, Madrid pushed fiercely, but Barça resisted and Raphinha scored in the 73rd minute with a rebound goal after a previous shot.

The discount was heart-stopping: De Jong was sent off, Gonzalo García scored and the Whites’ siege was stopped by García with authority.

On the plane back to Barcelona, ​​the culé expedition celebrated with toasts and photos. Laporta posed with Deco, Flick and the captains next to the trophy, and García was one of the most photographed. The president, euphoric, declared to Movistar: «We have a spectacular team, a great family.

Players like Joan García represent what we want: commitment, talent and hunger for victory.

This Super Cup is not only another trophy; It is a clear message to Spanish football. Flick’s Barça, with youngsters like Yamal, Pedri and now an established goalkeeper like García, combines experience (Lewandowski) with freshness and solidity.

Laporta, by choosing García for his most emotional words in the locker room, emphasizes that success not only comes from goals, but from consistency in all lines.

The next challenge is to maintain this level in the League, where they lead with solvency, and in the Champions League. But for now, the Camp Nou is already dreaming of more titles. And Joan García, Jeddah’s silent hero, has gone from being a name in goal to an undisputed star.

Laporta said it clearly: “You humiliated Real Madrid!” And the football world has seen it.