Real Madrid beat Atletico to set up El Clasico final with Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup

Kylian Mbappe did not travel with the squad to Saudi Arabia, so Gonzalo Garcia was again trusted to lead the attack. However, the spotlight quickly shifted. In just the second minute, Real Madrid were awarded a free-kick, and Federico Valverde struck a stunning effort from around 35 yards to open the scoring.

After conceding early, Atletico Madrid pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were unable to break through, with Real holding a 1-0 lead at the break. Early in the second half, Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s advantage with a fine finish after receiving a through ball from Valverde.

Atletico responded quickly, with Alexander Sorloth pulling a goal back just three minutes later. The final stages saw Atletico dominate possession and apply heavy pressure. Diego Simeone introduced attacking options such as Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada, but his side failed to find a second goal. Real Madrid held firm until full-time to secure their place in the final.

Valverde, who opened the scoring, said after the match: “First goal of the year. After going so many games without scoring, today was a great game for us to score again and for the team to win. We also have to be self-critical; we had chances, but they had many more. I think they played much better than us. We have to keep correcting that and keep improving, we are a great team.”

Head coach Xabi Alonso added in his press conference: “It was an intense and hard-fought match. At 1-2 we had to change, but there was a moment when we settled down, and in the end, we dug in. This is the way to fight for the trophy on Sunday and we are in the final. I'm happy. The objective was to reach the final against a very good team. We knew it was going to be difficult and yesterday we talked about not forgetting the league game.”

With this win, Real Madrid advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final, setting up a fourth consecutive El Clasico in the competition. In the previous three meetings, Barcelona won twice, in 2023 and 2025. Barcelona are aiming for a record-extending 16th title, while Real Madrid are chasing their 14th. The final will take place at 2:00 AM on 12 January at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.