The loss in the Spanish Super Cup final appeared to weigh heavily on Kylian Mbappe. As Real Madrid collected their runners-up medals, the forward was seen urging his teammates not to form a guard of honour for Barcelona as they stepped forward to lift the trophy. The gesture captured the frustration within the Madrid camp after a bitter 3–2 defeat to their biggest rivals.
Mbappe started the final on the bench, having joined the squad late in Saudi Arabia, and was introduced in the second half. With little time to influence proceedings, he found it difficult to make his presence felt. Barcelona’s substitutes brought greater intensity and rhythm, and Real Madrid struggled to keep pace during the closing stages. Mbappe’s late involvement only highlighted the difference in energy and control between the two sides as the match wore on.
Footage circulating online showed Mbappe signalling to teammates to skip the traditional guard of honour, a reaction that reflected his disappointment with the outcome of the final.
The French star came on in the 76th minute as he returned from a knee injury, but was unable to establish a strong connection with Madrid’s midfield. Barcelona duo Pedri and Frenkie de Jong dominated central areas, preventing Madrid from regaining control or mounting a sustained comeback.
For Xabi Alonso, the defeat meant another missed opportunity for silverware since taking charge in June. The loss also brought an end to Real Madrid’s five match winning run across all competitions, halted by their long standing rivals.
Alonso reflects on the final
Speaking after the match, Alonso described the contest as tightly contested and emotionally draining. While disappointed with the result, he praised his players for their effort and acknowledged Barcelona’s edge on the night.
He told Movistar that defeats always hurt, but stressed that the final was evenly balanced and fiercely fought. Alonso added that Real Madrid came close to finding an equaliser and battled until the final whistle, before congratulating Barcelona on their victory.
History suggests the Super Cup can be a springboard for domestic success. Each of the last four winners has gone on to lift the La Liga title, and Barcelona will hope that trend continues. They are currently enjoying a strong run of form, having won ten consecutive matches in all competitions, and sit at the top of the league despite an uneven start to the season.
