Xavi’s men suffered the wrath of the Brazilian on Sunday, who scored three goals in less than 40 minutes to allow Real Madrid to lift their first trophy this year (4-1).
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A one-sided Clasico. Real Madrid won its first trophy of the season by inflicting a heavy defeat (4-1) on its great rival FC Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, Sunday January 14 at the KSU stadium in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). ). A year after the victory of Xavi’s men in a Clasico at the same stage of the competition (1-3), those of Carlo Ancelotti signed a perfect copy, thanks in particular to Vinicius’ hat-trick.
The Italian coach, who recently extended his lease on the Merengue bench until 2026, joins Zinedine Zidane among the most successful coaches in the history of the Madrid club, with 11 trophies. The former captain of the Blues notably won three Champions Leagues during his two stints on the Madrid bench (2016-2018 and 2019-2021). The record holder remains the Spaniard Miguel Muñoz and his 14 titles obtained at the helm of Real between 1959 and 1974.
Vinicius, hat-trick and man of the match
Returning from injury at the start of 2024 after a month and a half of absence due to a muscle problem in his thigh, Vinicius showed all the colors to the Blaugrana defense. The Brazilian opened the scoring very early, thanks to a good call from deep where he was covered by Jules Koundé, before dribbling past goalkeeper Inaki Pena at the end of the race (1-0, 7th). Three minutes later, he doubled the lead after a counter led by Rodrygo, who served him at the far post (2-0, 10th). During his celebration, the new number 7 of Real Madrid paid tribute to the former owner, Cristiano Ronaldo, present in the stands of the KSU Stadium where he plays with Al-Nassr.
Just before the break, the twirling winger himself obtained a penalty in a duel with Ronald Araujo in the area, which he converted to score a hat-trick (3-1, 39th). Vinicius thus becomes the first player to score a hat-trick in such a short time in a Clasico during the 21st century. He completed his score with a breakthrough into the area which led to a new mistake from Jules Koundé, an unfortunate decisive passer for Rodrygo (4-1, 64th). Before excluding Ronald Araujo, who chased the man of the match, annoyed at being so often overtaken (71st). An evening to forget for Xavi’s men, who will not be consoled by the nice goal from Robert Lewandowski (33rd), and who conceded four goals from Real Madrid for the second time in the last three Clasicos.