WHAT HAPPENED?

Within the first ten minutes of the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia, Vinicius stunned Barcelona by scoring twice in a short period of time. In just six minutes, he maneuvered around goalkeeper Inaki Pena, raced on to a through ball from Jude Bellingham, and finished coolly into the open goal. The Brazil international celebrated by performing Ronaldo’s signature “Siuuu” dance.

In the ninth minute, he added another goal after Rodrygo broke through the Barcelona defense, ran into the area, and squared the ball for his compatriot to finish at the back post. Barca’s Robert Lewandowski pulled one back before the break, but Vinicius had the final say, finishing with a spectacular hat-trick that included a penalty kick.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Vinicius has a sterling record against Barcelona; before the Super Cup final, he had played against the Catalan club 15 times and been on the winning side on eight occasions. He had scored three goals and provided two assists in that time, and now has three more goals to his name. Vinicius’ celebration came about in the Al-Awwal Stadium, where Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr play their home games.

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?

Real will hope to see out their advantage and pick up another trophy. After this encounter, the club will next be in action on Thursday in the Copa del Rey, against Atletico Madrid, in the round of 16.