Barca Universal
·9 January 2026
Opponent watch: Three Real Madrid stars doubts for Super Cup Clasico final, Mbappe could return

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Yahoo sportsBarca Universal
·9 January 2026

FC Barcelona breezed past Athletic Club earlier this week to secure a place in the finals of the 2025/26 Spanish Super Cup, thrashing the Basque club 5-0.
The Blaugrana will now face Real Madrid in the title-decider in Jeddah, after Los Blancos huffed and puffed their way to a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the second semifinal on Thursday night.
However, the victory came at a significant cost for Xabi Alonso & co. as a number of his players finished the game with physical problems.
Indeed, as reported by MARCA, three Real Madrid players, Antonio Rudiger, Rodrygo Goes, and Raul Asencio, are now major doubts to feature in the Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday.
Rudiger happens to be the major cause for concern for Los Blancos. The German centre-back, who started amid question marks over his fitness, left the stadium with a pronounced limp, suggesting that his participation in the final is seriously in doubt.

Rodrygo a doubt for Super Cup Clasico final. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Rodrygo, meanwhile, was seen with his right leg heavily bandaged, while Asencio was also dealing with a knock, which he tried to play down after the match.
From inside the club, the initial assessment is not encouraging. Rudiger is unlikely to be available for the final, while Rodrygo and Asencio are awaiting medical tests, which will determine the true extent of their issues. Both are considered doubts for the Clasico.
The only positive note for Real Madrid ahead of their heavyweight clash against Barcelona is the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappe in Saudi Arabia.
The superstar forward was left behind in Spain due to an injury, but has worked hard over the past few days to improve his condition. As such, he will join the squad today and, barring any setback, is expected to be available for the final against Barcelona.
“He is much better, he has trained and the sensations are good. His chances of playing are the same as everyone else,” said Xabi Alonso after the game.









































