Real Madrid booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final after edging past city rivals Atletico Madrid 2–1 in a closely fought semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, setting up a Clasico showdown against Barcelona.
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Goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo Goes sealed a fifth consecutive victory for Xabi Alonso’s side across all competitions, while Alexander Sorloth scored Atletico’s only goal in Jeddah.
Alonso, who had faced mounting pressure after an inconsistent run towards the end of 2025, has seen his team regain momentum in recent weeks. Although performances have not always been convincing, results have improved, helping to stabilise his position. The Spanish coach had already tasted Clasico success earlier this season, beating Barcelona in October before Madrid’s form dipped.
Madrid made a dream start, taking the lead inside two minutes when Valverde unleashed a thunderous free-kick that flew past Jan Oblak. The Atletico wall, which included Sorloth, was poorly positioned, and despite Oblak getting a hand to the shot, the sheer power proved too much.
With the early advantage, Real Madrid dropped deeper and looked to hit Atletico on the counter. Rodrygo went close before the break, forcing a strong save from Oblak, while Atletico threatened through Sorloth, whose header was tipped away by Thibaut Courtois before he missed another close-range chance.
Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s lead in the 55th minute, continuing his fine form with a third goal in five matches. The Brazilian burst through the centre of Atletico’s defence and calmly finished past Oblak.
Atletico responded quickly, pulling a goal back three minutes later when Sorloth headed in from Giuliano Simeone’s cross after outmuscling defender Raul Asencio. Despite sustained pressure, Diego Simeone’s side could not find an equaliser.
“At times we defended more, but the objective was to reach the final,” Alonso said after the match. “We’re happy to be playing on Sunday.”
Simeone praised Valverde’s opener but lamented missed opportunities. “We played very well, but they had the quality to finish their chances,” he said.
The match also saw tension on the touchline, with Simeone appearing to exchange words with Vinicius Junior as the winger was substituted, something Alonso criticised as disrespectful.
Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the final on Sunday at King Abdullah Sports City after the Catalans cruised to a 5–0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final.
