Tormentor-in-chief Vinicius Jr inspires Real Madrid's thrashing of Barcelona in Super Cup

Vinicius Jr conceded he was "no saint" after his hat-trick inspired Real Madrid to a 4-1 win over Barcelona to claim the Spanish Super Cup while his antics also saw Ronald Araujo sent off for two fouls on the Brazilian winger.

Real toyed with last year's champions at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh with Vinicius the tormentor in chief. The 23-year-old helped himself to a first-half hat-trick including a 39th-minute penalty after being hauled down in the area by Barca captain Araujo.

Robert Lewandowski reduced the arrears with a goal on 33 minutes while Rodrygo sealed an emphatic win with Real Madrid's fourth goal midway through the second half.

It was Real Madrid's 13th Super Cup win to take them to within one of their bitter rivals. It is the second time they have won the trophy since it was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020.

Vinicius was by far the best player on the pitch but his confrontations with match officials and humiliating opponents with unnecessary dribbles earned the ire of Barcelona.

Players and staff on Barcelona's bench, including midfielder Sergi Roberto, appeared to remonstrate with Vinicius in the second half.

"I'm very sad because everyone wants to fight with me because they know it will come out in the media," Vinicius told reporters after the game.

"I try to focus on the game to do the best for my teammates [but] I am not a saint, sometimes I talk too much, do dribbles I shouldn't do, but I am here to improve.

"I want to improve, my teammates and the coach are showing me what I have to do."

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he took Vinicius off in the final stages because he was tired.

"I took off Vinicius for all the effort he'd put in, not to avoid problems," the Italian told reporters.

Andriy Lunin :