Barcelona faces Real Madrid this Sunday (11) in the final of Supercopa of Espanha, played in Jeddah, in Arábia Saudita. The classic is worth the first title of the 2025/26 season and puts the two biggest powers of Spanish football face to face. The Catalan team arrives motivated after beating Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the semi-final, while Real Madrid advanced by beating Atlético of Madrid 2-1.
The big question involves the choice between keeping Ferran Torres as starter or returning the position to Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old Polish striker started on the bench in the semi-final and did not even enter the field, which generated widespread discussion in the Spanish press. Ferran Torres scored in the victory against Athletic and has stood out as a reference in attack throughout the season, with impressive numbers of goals and assists.
Spanish press is unanimous about Lewandowski
Vehicles such as Sport, AS, Mundo Deportivo and other specialized portals agree in the prediction that Robert Lewandowski will start the final on the bench. The tendency is for Hansi Flick to keep Ferran Torres in the center forward position, valuing the Valencian player’s good form. Torres gained confidence with the new coach and fits perfectly into the high-intensity, high-pressure style of play proposed by the German.
Lewandowski has an impressive track record in making Supercopa decisions. The Pole scored goals in every final he played in with the Barcelona shirt, including decisive performances in previous classics. Apesar experience and ability to decide games in the second half, the current situation favors the younger striker remaining at a constant pace of play.
Ferran Torres gains strength to be a starter
Ferran Torres presents solid arguments to remain in the starting lineup. The player scored in the Supercopa semifinal and leads the Barcelona offensive statistics for the season. Sua mobility, ability to pressure the opponent’s ball and precise finishing align with Flick’s tactical model. The team that beat Athletic should be maintained for the most part, with small occasional variations.
Barcelona is going through an excellent phase, with nine consecutive victories in all competitions. The team demonstrates defensive solidity and great offensive power, with young players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the rise. Pedri and Frenkie from Jong guarantee quality and balance in midfield, while the defense has the regularity of Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and
Defense and midfield with practically defined formation
Joan García should remain the starting goalkeeper, with Koundé and Balde on the flanks. The defense duo will probably be made up of Cubarsí and another trusted name. In the middle, De Jong and Pedri form the creation base, with space for Fermín López and Raphinha in the most advanced positions. Lamine Yamal returns to the starting lineup after training normally in the last few days and will be one of the main offensive weapons.
Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, arrives motivated after a narrow victory in the semifinals. Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham emerge as the biggest threats. Thibaut Courtois is expected in goal, and the Merengue team is looking for the title to consolidate their recovery this season. Recent history, however, favors Barcelona, who have won four of the last five head-to-head clashes under the command of Flick.
Barcelona has an advantage in recent classics history
In the last meetings between the teams, Barcelona has had the upper hand. In the final of the previous year’s Supercopa, the Catalans scored 5-2 in the Real Madrid, with several players from the current squad standing out. Essa positive sequence increases the confidence of the Hansi Flick group for the duel in Jeddah. The match is scheduled for 8pm local time on Arábia Saudita (3pm local time on Brasília).
The final offers Barcelona the chance to win Espanha’s 16th Supercopa title and maintain their recent hegemony over their biggest rival. Real Madrid is looking for the 14th trophy of the competition and a rematch. The winner takes the first cup of 2026 and gains important momentum for the remainder of the season.
