Hansi Flick could not hide his pride after guiding Barcelona to the 2026 Spanish Super Cup title, following a thrilling 3–2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final held in Jeddah on Monday morning (January 12, 2026 WIB). The dramatic El Clasico triumph marked Barcelona’s second consecutive trophy under the German coach and further underlined their growing dominance this season.
Playing in front of a packed crowd at King Abdullah Sports City, Barcelona showed resilience, courage, and tactical discipline to overcome Los Blancos in one of the most intense Super Cup finals in recent years. Flick emphasized that beating Real Madrid in a final always carries a special meaning, regardless of the competition.
The former Bayern Munich manager praised his players for sticking to their identity even when under heavy pressure, describing the performance as a true reflection of Barcelona’s mentality and collective strength.
Dressing Room Turns Into a Dance Floor
The celebrations continued long after the final whistle. Inside Barcelona’s dressing room, joy and relief spilled over as players danced together to celebrate the hard-fought title. Flick watched with satisfaction as his squad enjoyed the moment, seeing it as a reward for their commitment and unity.
“It’s fantastic. When you play a final, and especially an El Clasico, winning feels incredible,” Flick said after the match. “I am very proud of this performance.”
“I saw the players dancing in the dressing room. I think we were fantastic. Throughout the match, we played our style. It wasn’t easy, but we fought together as a team—and that’s what matters most,” he added.
The victory further confirmed Barcelona’s consistency under Flick this season, with the team repeatedly showing the ability to stay calm and organized in high-pressure situations.
Raphinha’s Steel Mentality Steals the Spotlight
Flick reserved special praise for Raphinha, who emerged as the standout performer by scoring two crucial goals in the final. The Brazilian winger had missed an early opportunity, but instead of losing confidence, he responded in the best possible way.
“His mentality is outstanding,” Flick said. “He missed the first chance, but then he turned it into the opening goal.”
According to Flick, that moment transformed Raphinha’s mindset and lifted his performance for the remainder of the match. His pace, aggression, and relentless pressing caused constant problems for Real Madrid’s defense.
“He gained confidence, and on the pitch he brought so much intensity,” Flick continued. “That kind of response shows real character.”
Emotional Return for Ronald Araujo
The final also carried emotional significance for Ronald Araujo, who made his return to the pitch after being sidelined for six weeks. The Uruguayan defender came on as a substitute, marking an important step in his recovery.
Flick expressed his happiness at seeing Araujo back in action and enjoying football again, highlighting the importance of the defender both on and off the pitch.
“Winning this title and returning to the field means a lot to him,” Flick explained. “We have always supported him.”
“He’s an important player in the dressing room and a top professional,” the Barcelona coach added.
Substitutes Prove Their Value
Despite Barcelona currently sitting at the top of the league standings, Flick refused to compare the situation too closely with last season. Instead, he focused on the positive atmosphere within the squad and the sense of togetherness that has developed.
He paid particular attention to the impact made by players who came off the bench in the second half, stressing that their contribution was vital in maintaining the team’s rhythm and intensity until the final whistle.
“Last season we were several points behind in the table, now we’re ahead, so the situation is different,” Flick analyzed. “But when you look at the team, you just get a good feeling.”
“I haven’t said it enough, but once again I want to highlight how important the substitutes were in the second half,” he concluded. “That is team spirit—and that’s what I love the most.”
With the 2026 Spanish Super Cup secured, Barcelona now look ahead with confidence, carrying momentum and belief as they aim for more silverware under Hansi Flick’s leadership.
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