Overview
- Barcelona clinched the trophy with a late rebound to edge a tightly contested final in Yida, Saudi Arabia.
- Xabi Alonso said his team were very close to forcing penalties and praised their attitude and commitment throughout.
- Alonso cited injuries as a key constraint on performance, including Federico Valverde’s enforced substitution and extra workload for others.
- Vinicius Junior delivered a standout display with a spectacular goal before requesting a late change due to cramps around the 85th minute.
- Kylian Mbappé, recently back from a knee sprain, was not fit to start and made only a brief late appearance after plans to introduce him earlier were delayed.