La Liga Roundup: Moleiro Drives Villarreal Forward While Barcelona Claim Super Cup Clásico Win

The midway point of the La Liga season arrived with compelling action both at home and abroad.

‎While several top clubs were occupied with the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, the remaining fixtures in Spain delivered plenty of intrigue.

‎From Alberto Moleiro’s standout display for Villarreal to Barcelona’s thrilling victory over Real Madrid in the Super Cup final, the weekend offered drama, quality, and storylines that will shape the months ahead.

‎Moleiro Inspires Another Statement Win

‎Villarreal tightened their grip on third place with a convincing 3–1 win over Alavés, once again led by the sensational form of Alberto Moleiro.

‎The 22-year-old from the Canary Islands has quickly become one of La Liga’s breakout stars, blending creativity, technique, and composure far beyond his age. His contribution on Saturday one goal and one assist reinforced why he is considered the heartbeat of this Villarreal side.

‎The breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Moleiro curled a superb effort from the edge of the area, guiding it in off the far post for his eighth goal of the campaign.

‎Moments later, veteran striker Gerard Moreno reacted sharply to a loose ball inside the box and volleyed Villarreal into a two-goal lead.

‎Moleiro’s influence continued as he crafted Villarreal’s third goal, slipping a brilliant pass between two defenders to find Georges Mikautadze.

‎The Georgian forward showed a delicate touch to chip the ball over goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, sealing the points for Marcelino García Toral’s side.

‎Alavés revived a bit of spirit when Toni Martínez pulled one back in the 85th minute, but it never threatened to change the outcome.

‎Villarreal remain eight points behind league leaders Barcelona, four behind Real Madrid, and three clear of Atlético Madrid, all while holding a game in hand over each of their rivals. Moleiro’s rise, especially in the wake of Yeremy Pino’s departure to Crystal Palace, has been central to their impressive first half of the season.

‎Raphinha Delivers Another Clásico Masterclass

‎The eyes of the football world turned to Saudi Arabia, where Barcelona and Real Madrid met once again in the Spanish Super Cup final.

‎In a thrilling encounter that matched the intensity of their rivalry, Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3–2 win, securing their 16th Super Cup title extending their lead as the competition’s most successful club.

‎Barcelona opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Raphinha raced through on goal and finished clinically.

‎The closing stages of the first half delivered a whirlwind of action. Real Madrid equalized through Vinícius Júnior two minutes into stoppage time, the Brazilian forward producing an outstanding run before placing his shot inside the area. It was his first goal in 16 matches.

‎Barcelona responded almost instantly. Robert Lewandowski regained the lead just two minutes later with a composed finish, but Madrid weren’t done.

‎Gonzalo García struck in the final moments before halftime, making it 2–2 and setting up a gripping final 45 minutes.

‎The second half belonged to Raphinha, though not in the way anyone expected. In the 73rd minute, he slipped while shooting, but the mis-hit ball deflected off Raúl Asencio and wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois, ultimately becoming the decisive goal.

‎Even the introduction of Kylian Mbappé in the 76th minute couldn’t shift the momentum back toward Madrid. The French star, returning from a knee issue, tried to inject attacking energy but couldn’t find the equalizer.

‎Barcelona finished with ten men after Frenkie de Jong’s stoppage-time red card, yet they held on to lift the trophy.

‎Ronald Araújo, returning from a personal leave reported to be for mental health reasons, had the honor of raising the Super Cup.

‎Barcelona’s triumph also marks the first time in eight seasons that the reigning La Liga champions have won the competition and the first successful title defense since Pep Guardiola’s era.

‎Action Continues While the Giants Are Away

‎While the Super Cup finalists were competing in Saudi Arabia, the remaining La Liga fixtures went ahead as the league reached its halfway point.

‎Fifth-place Espanyol were held to a 1–1 draw at Levante, a result that offered frustration rather than momentum. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano produced a solid performance at home, defeating Mallorca 2–1 and strengthening their position in midtable.

‎Barcelona sits atop the league standings, four points clear of Real Madrid after 19 rounds, though both teams have their attention partly divided by international commitments.

‎Super Cup Moves for 2027

‎Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish football federation, has confirmed that the 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be held either in Qatar or Kuwait.

‎The change is necessary because Saudi Arabia will be hosting the Asian Cup that year.

‎The tournament will then return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 and remain there through at least 2030.