Real Madrid edge past Atlético to set up Spanish Super Cup El Clásico final
Real Madrid battled their way past city rivals Atlético Madrid to secure a place in the Spanish Super Cup final, setting up a blockbuster El Clásico showdown with Barcelona in Saudi Arabia.
A powerful free kick from Federico Valverde in the first minute and Rodrygo Goes’ second half strike proved decisive for Los Blancos as they claimed a 2-1 victory at the King Abdallah Sports City in Jeddah.
Atlético pushed hard and found a response through Alexander Sørloth, but Xabi Alonso’s men held firm to seal the win in Saudi Arabia.
The result means the Spanish Super Cup final will be contested by Real Madrid and Barcelona for the fourth consecutive time, further highlighting the dominance of Spain’s two biggest clubs.
Since the competition was moved to Saudi Arabia in 2019, Real Madrid have lifted the trophy on three occasions, while Barcelona have won it twice.
Barcelona, who are the defending champions, had booked their spot in Sunday’s final a day earlier in an emphatic fashion, cruising past Athletic Club de Bilbao with a 5-0 victory in the first semi-final.
The Blaugrana were ruthless throughout, overpowering their opponents to send a strong warning to their eternal rivals.
Sunday’s clash will be the second meeting between the two rivals this season with Real Madrid coming out victorious in the encounter in the La Liga in October.
Attention now turns to the Super Cup final, when Barcelona and Real Madrid will clash once again with silverware on the line. Another chapter of El Clásico awaits, as Spanish football’s fiercest rivalry takes centre stage in Jeddah.