Mbappe Urges Real Madrid Away From Barcelona Guard of Honour After Super Cup Final Defeat
Kylian Mbappe found himself at the center of post match controversy after Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, with the French forward seen waving his teammates away from giving their rivals a traditional guard of honour.
Barcelona retained their Super Cup crown in Saudi Arabia following a breathless Clasico that swung repeatedly before Raphinha struck the decisive blow late in the second half. The defeat left Real Madrid players visibly frustrated, none more so than Mbappe, who had only recently returned from injury.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Vinicius Junior responded deep into first half stoppage time. Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead moments later, only for Gonzalo Garcia to equalise again before the break in a chaotic spell that produced three goals after the 45th minute.
The contest mattered beyond silverware. Barcelona’s victory reinforced their authority over their biggest rivals this season, while Real Madrid were left reflecting on another missed opportunity in a campaign already defined by fine margins. For Mbappe, the match marked a subdued return following knee problems that limited his involvement.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with a packed crowd witnessing an early battle for control in midfield. Barcelona looked sharper in possession, while Real relied on Vinicius to inject pace and direct running, particularly on the counter.
Key moments continued to shape the narrative. Both goalkeepers were tested, tempers flared in midfield challenges, and the referee had to manage a growing edge as the match opened up in the second half.
Raphinha’s second goal arrived in the 73rd minute, a well taken finish that ultimately decided the final. It capped a standout performance from the Brazilian winger and left Real chasing the game once more.
Mbappe was introduced from the bench in the 76th minute as Real searched for a late response. Despite brief flashes of threat, he was unable to alter the momentum, with Barcelona defending intelligently and slowing the tempo as the clock ticked down.
Late tension followed the final whistle. Barcelona lined up to applaud Real Madrid as runners up, but the gesture was not returned. Cameras caught Mbappe gesturing for his teammates to walk away, a reflection of his competitive edge and visible disappointment.
The result leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race and adds pressure on Xabi Alonso as his debut season continues. Attention now turns to the Copa del Rey, with Real set to face Albacete, while Barcelona carry renewed confidence into the next phase of their campaign.