Real Madrid Edge Atletico 2–1 to Reach Super Cup Final, Set Up Clasico Showdown With Barcelona

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, booking a mouth-watering Clasico final against Barcelona.

Goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes ensured Madrid continued their resurgence with a fifth straight win in all competitions, while Alexander Sørloth’s header offered Diego Simeone’s side brief hope in what proved to be a fiercely contested encounter in Jeddah.

Alonso, who came under pressure late last year after an inconsistent run of form, has steadied Madrid’s season, including a morale-boosting win over Barcelona in his first Clasico as manager in October. With Kylian Mbappé sidelined by a knee sprain, the Spanish coach again trusted 19-year-old Gonzalo Garcia to lead the attack after his stunning hat-trick against Real Betis.



Madrid struck early, taking the lead inside two minutes. Valverde unleashed a thunderous free-kick that blasted past Jan Oblak, aided by a poorly positioned Atletico wall. Oblak managed to get a hand to it but could not withstand the power. The Uruguayan marked his first goal of a challenging season with an animated celebration, slapping his head in relief.

Real Madrid then sat deeper, absorbing pressure and springing forward on the counter. Rodrygo nearly doubled the lead after drifting in from the right, only for Oblak to deny him.

Atletico grew into the game and created several opportunities. Courtois had to push away Sørloth’s header before the Norwegian missed a close-range effort moments later. Julian Alvarez also tested the Belgian goalkeeper, who remained sharp throughout.

Rodrygo rewarded Madrid’s persistence after halftime, bursting through the heart of Atletico’s defence in the 55th minute and calmly slotting home his third goal in five matches.

Sørloth responded three minutes later, finally beating Courtois with a well-placed header from Giuliano Simeone’s cross, using just enough force to unbalance defender Raul Asencio without drawing a foul.

Atletico pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages. Courtois denied Antoine Griezmann’s acrobatic attempt, while Marcos Llorente curled a shot narrowly wide. Alvarez flashed a low drive across goal deep into stoppage time, but the comeback never materialised.

With Atletico’s hopes of success in Saudi Arabia extinguished, Real Madrid now turn their attention to Sunday’s final at King Abdullah Sports City, where they will meet Barcelona, who hammered Athletic Bilbao 5–0 in the other semi-final.