Real Madrid better city rivals in Super Cup semifinal

Real Madrid booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2–1 victory over rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah, setting up a Clasico showdown against Barcelona. 

A fast start and clinical finishing proved decisive as Xabi Alonso’s side held off a spirited Atletico fightback.

The semi-final burst into life almost immediately when captain Federico Valverde opened the scoring inside two minutes. 

The midfielder struck a thunderous free-kick from around 30 yards that flew past Jan Oblak and into the top corner, stunning Atletico and handing Real early control at the Alinma Bank Stadium.

Real maintained their authority and doubled their lead 10 minutes after the restart. 

Rodrygo showed excellent composure to bring down Valverde’s pass with his first touch before calmly sliding the ball beyond Oblak to make it 2–0.

The goal highlighted Real’s attacking depth, particularly with Kylian Mbappe sidelined through injury. 

Despite the absence of their star forward, Madrid continued to look sharp and dangerous on the break.

Atletico responded quickly through Alexander Sørloth, who headed home at the back post to reduce the deficit. 

The Norwegian striker caused persistent problems for Real’s defence and gave Diego Simeone’s side renewed belief as they pushed for an equaliser.

Chances followed at both ends, with Sørloth missing a gilt-edged opportunity before half-time and Julian Alvarez firing wide deep into stoppage time. 

Real also spurned further openings, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior unable to add to the scoreline, the latter extending his goal drought to 16 matches.

Ultimately, Real stood firm to secure victory and advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face Barcelona for the second time this season. 

The Spanish Super Cup is being held in Saudi Arabia after the Spanish Football Federation extended its hosting agreement in the country through to 2029.

There were previous arrangements to hold certain La Liga fixtures outside Spain this season, but backlash from players and club sides cancelled such plans.