Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona’s First Trophy Without Messi in the 21st Century

• Barcelona has finally managed to move out of the shadows of Lionel Messi
• The Catalan giants beat nemesis Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup
• The cup victory also earned Xavi his first title as the manager of Barcelona

FC Barcelona have won their first title since Lionel Messi left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

La Blaugrana toppled El Clasico rivals, Real Madrid 3-1 to win the Spanish Super Cup for the first time since 2018, winning a record-extending 14th title in the process.

The club had experienced a mini-title drought since winning the 2021 Copa del Rey under former coach, Ronald Koeman. This was Messi’s 35th and final title with Barcelona before departing amid the club’s financial struggles, per Indian Express.

La Masia graduate and eventual man-of-the-match, Gavi opened the scoring in the 33rd minute from close range, after a pass by Robert Lewandowski.

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Gavi then returned the favour by serving Lewandowski on a plate to double the lead for Barcelona, before also setting up Pedri to effectively end the game as a contest.

The victory over Real Madrid also saw Xavi Hernandez earn his first title since assuming the hot seat as club manager in 2021, according to MARCA.

Xavi gets first trophy

Xavi finally claimed a trophy as manager of Barcelona, following his side's convincing win over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Xavi, who took over the reins as Barcelona boss in 2021, masterminded an emphatic 3-1 win against Los Blancos on Sunday evening, Sports Brief reported.

The 42-year-old's first trophy was inspired by one of his young soldiers in the shape of Gavi, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his excellent performance.

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Barca wins Spanish Super Cup

Sports Brief earlier reported that Barcelona convincingly beat Real Madrid 3-1 in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, to win the Spanish Super Cup trophy.

Inspired by teenager Gavi, who scored one and set up goals for Robert Lewandowski and Pedri, the Catalans produced one of their best performances in years against their El Clasico rivals.

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti suffered his first defeat in a final since 2014, surrendering the trophy they earned last season to Barcelona, who have now won the Super Cup a record 14 times.