KUALA LUMPUR: Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup after beating bitter rivals and defending champions Real Madrid 3-1 on Jan 15 at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement, the Catalans scored the opening goal through Gavi in the 33rd minute, then Robert Lewandowski doubled Barca's lead just before half-time. Pedri put the game out of reach with his team's third in the 69th minute.

Karim Benzema netted a late consolation for Real Madrid in the 93rd minute, but it was far too late to change the outcome.

Saudi Arabia succeeded in hosting the Spanish Super Cup, which is part of the kingdom's mission to bring international sporting tournaments and events to the country, thus confirming the Kingdom's high capabilities in organising the most prominent and important events and being the hub for global sporting events.

Brought by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport, the event is hosted with the aim to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and as one of the "Quality of Life" Programme's initiatives, by hosting the most spectacular and largest international sporting events, to ensure a great experience for the visitors of Diriyah Season.

-- BERNAMA