Barcelona secured a sweeping 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, claiming their 15th title in this competition. Below are quick tactical points:
•Barcelona Exploits Real Madrid’s Defensive Weaknesses: Barcelona effectively took advantage of Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly through quick transitions and wide play.
•Weak Fullbacks: Lucas Vázquez and Ferland Mendy are far below the standard required to play for a club like Real Madrid. While Vázquez is excused as he was playing out of position, Valverde could have been used temporarily as a right-back, with Fran García or Camavinga on the left. Real Madrid urgently needs proper fullbacks. Trent Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t suit Madrid either due to his weak defensive abilities.
•Midfield Dominance: The trio of Gavi, Pedri, and Casado controlled the tempo of the match, disrupting Real Madrid’s rhythm and facilitating offensive opportunities for Barcelona.
•Poor Performances from Vinícius and Bellingham: Tactically, both players had disappointing games and appeared far from their usual level.
•Lack of Clear Strategy for Real Madrid: The team seemed to play without a clear game plan, and the lack of defensive support from Vinícius and Mbappé exposed the weak fullbacks further.
•Tchouaméni Struggles as a Defender: Tchouaméni is not suited to play as a center-back, especially against attacking teams like Barcelona. It would be better to use a young defender, similar to how Barcelona deployed Cubarsi.
•The Red Card Saved Madrid: The sending-off likely saved Real Madrid from a heavier defeat, which could have ended 7-2 or 8-2.
•Barcelona’s Offensive Power: Players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha made significant contributions, highlighting the team’s attacking strength.
•Coach Hansi Flick’s Tactical Adaptability: Flick adjusted his tactics during the match, abandoning the high defensive line, showcasing his flexibility.
•Discipline and Balanced Approach: Barcelona’s tactical discipline, combined with their effective use of both experienced players and young talents, secured a comprehensive victory over their rivals, pointing to a promising future for the remainder of the season.
•First Title for Flick: This marks Barcelona’s first title under coach Hansi Flick, signaling a positive trajectory for the team.
•Prediction by my dear friend, Egyptian engineer Ayman Mostafa, accurately predicted this result before the match.

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