“Mistakes were made against Athletic” - Hansi Flick highlights what Barcelona must do to defeat Real Madrid in Super Cup final 

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has highlighted what they should do to beat Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final on Sunday, January 12. The game marks the third consecutive time the tournament will have an El Clasico final.

The Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) final marks the second El Clasico of the season after Barcelona secured a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in LaLiga in October 2024. The match also ended Los Blancos' 42-game unbeaten streak in the league.

The stakes are high for both sides as Real Madrid will look to retain the title after beating Barca 4-1 in the last Super Cup final. Meanwhile, Barcelona beat Los Merengues 3-1 in the season prior to that (2022-23), securing the title.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of El Clasico, La Blaugrana boss Hansi Flick weighed in on the much-anticipated final. He said (h/t Mundo Deportivo via Barca Universal):

"They [Madrid] are one of the best teams in the world, we have a tremendous team. We can do it, mistakes were made against Athletic. They are one of the best teams in transition. We have to reduce the mistakes.”

Speaking further about what Barcelona must do to beat their archrivals once again this season, he added:

“How we played in the Clasico was at that moment. We did very well. There’s no reason why we have to change our style of play. We want to play as a team. Everyone has to contribute. You can’t match Madrid. We want to play at a high level and win.”

A win on Sunday will mark Barcelona's first piece of silverware this season after a trophyless 2023-24 campaign. It will also be their first major title under Hansi Flick. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have the chance to equal their league rivals' record of 14 Spanish Super Cup wins if they win the title on Sunday.

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"It’s difficult for us, difficult for them" - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Barcelona clash in Spanish Super Cup final

Carlo Ancelotti - Source: Getty

In his pre-match press conference (h/t Madrid Universal), Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti opened up about the highly anticipated El Clasico. He said:

“If there’s a defeat, it’s a defeat. It’s a final, we’re very close to another title and we’re thinking positively. I’m aware that anything can happen in football. Especially when the opponent competes the way they have competed. A defeat wouldn’t be good, but the team is moving forward.”

He added:

"Barça are always a historic rival. They are very complicated matches. It’s difficult for us, difficult for them. You can’t predict the result. We try to do our best and try to win another title.”

Carlo Ancelotti has won two Spanish Super Cup titles with Real Madrid in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons. Los Blancos have 13 Super Cups to their name. If they win this year, it will be their third title of the season after winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.