Real Madrid defeated intercity rivals Atlético Madrid in the Saudi-hosted Spanish Super Cup, setting up a showdown with Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia, setting up a Clasico final against rivals Barcelona.
Fede Valverde’s free-kick and Rodrygo’s goal on Thursday gave Madrid their fifth consecutive win in all competitions, with Alexander Sorloth pulling Diego Simeone’s Atlético within a point, but they just fell short in Jeddah.
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Alonso’s form was unstable towards the end of 2025 and he was on the verge of being sacked, but the team has gradually found its footing.
The Spanish coach took charge in October, before the team started to decline, and led Madrid to victory over Barcelona in his first Clasico.
With French superstar Kylian Mbappé out recovering from a knee sprain, Alonso, who scored a hat-trick against Real Betis on Sunday, has put young striker Gonzalo Garcia at the center of his attack.
Atlético defeated their city rivals 5-2 when the two teams met in a La Liga derby in September, but this time it was a much closer contest.
Los Blancos took the lead after just two minutes. Valverde’s ferocious free-kick hit a poorly placed wall and went over Sorloth and then over Jan Oblak.
The Norwegian Atlético forward could have done more to block it, and Oblak tried his hand at the shot, but was unable to prevent it due to too much power.
Valverde celebrated wildly by patting himself on the head, clearly delighted to have scored his first goal in what has been a difficult season so far.
Having taken the lead, Real Madrid earned the right to sit deeper and force Atlético to try to attack in order to equalize.
Madrid attacked the Rojiblancos looking for a counter opportunity, and Oblak made a good save when Rodrygo floated inside from the right side.
Atletico started to create chances and could have equalized before the interval.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois parried Sorloth’s header and the target man clumsily nodded Conor Gallagher’s cross wide from close range.
Julian Álvarez, who has scored just two goals in his last 11 games, fired a shot towards goal, but it was also blocked by Courtois.
Rodrygo extended Madrid’s lead with his third goal in five games in the 55th minute, continuing his form in recent weeks.
The Brazilian found an opening in the middle of Atletico’s defense and kept his cool as he slotted the ball past Oblak.
Solros finally attacks
Three minutes later, Atlético struck back and Sorloth finally found the back of the net with a header from Giuliano Simeone’s cross.
The striker provided enough provocation to send off defender Raul Asensio without being penalized, before nodding.
Atlético tried to force extra time in vain as Antoine Griezmann’s acrobatic shot was saved by Courtois and Marcos Llorente sent a shot woefully wide, but Atlético’s attempts to force extra time were in vain.
Atlético’s hopes of winning a silver medal in Saudi Arabia were quickly dashed when Alvarez fired a shot into the face of goal deep in stoppage time.
After the Catalans defeated Athletic Bilbao 5-0 on Wednesday, Madrid will face Barcelona in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Sunday.
