Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 4 key battles that could decide Supercopa de Espana final | OneFootball

As often proves to be the case, the Supercopa de Espana final will be contested between Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The fierce foes have competed the last two finals - winning one each - and Madrid are seeking to draw level with Barcelona on 14 triumphs in the competition with victory on Sunday. Los Blancos are the reigning champions but suffered a bruising 4-0 defeat to the Catalan giants in October that will likely plague their minds.

Madrid conquered Mallorca and Barcelona dispatched of Athletic Club to reach the final in Saudi Arabia, but both will be expecting tougher fights in the showpiece event as silverware and bragging rights are claimed.

Here are four key duels that could prove decisive in El Clasico.

Ferland Mendy vs Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal could cause issues for out-of-form Ferland Mendy / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

For Ferland Mendy, the 2024/25 campaign has been arduous. The Frenchman has been sub-par for much of the term and even lost his starting left-back berth at the end of last year. However, having been restored to the XI for two of Madrid's three outings in the new year, he will be expecting to start again on Sunday.

Mendy performed admirably in the semi-final victory over Mallorca, keeping a clean sheet and completing more passes than any of his teammates. It was a confidence-boosting display, but his ego could be bruised and beaten by the end of the Supercopa final.

He will be locking horns with the insatiable Lamine Yamal on Sunday evening, the 17-year-old returning from injury during the last four win over Athletic Club. He scored on his hour-long comeback and looked as sharp as ever following a much-needed rest.

Mendy delivered a shocking display in his most recent battle with Yamal, conceding four and looking consistently overwhelmed back in October. Keeping the relentless winger under control is an almighty challenge and one that Mendy must complete if Madrid are going to lift the trophy in the Middle East.

Aurelien Tchouameni vs Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski enjoyed his most recent meeting with Madrid / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

There was just two minutes between Robert Lewandowski's strikes in October's mauling of Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Poland international proved far too much for the Spanish champions to handle on that occasion, with his movement and physicality wreaking havoc for Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.

With Militao sidelined for the remainder of the campaign and David Alaba yet to return from a long-term layoff, defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni - providing is fine after a knock to the head - will be tasked with stifling Lewandowski on Sunday. The French international has performed regularly at centre-back this term but it's certainly not his preferred role.

Considering the damage caused by Lewandowski in the league meeting, Carlo Ancelotti will need to offer extra motivation and guidance to Tchouameni on Sunday, who will likely be targeted by the experienced Barcelona forward.

Jude Bellingham vs Marc Casado

Jude Bellingham has decided El Clasico before / Denis Doyle/GettyImages

Jude Bellingham endured an uncharacteristically sticky spell during the first few months of the current campaign but has come roaring back to life since. Seven goals in nine matches since the beginning of December tells the tale of a formidable force rediscovering his mojo at a crucial point in the season.

The Englishman has already announced himself in El Clasico, deciding both La Liga meetings with stoppage-time goals during his debut season, and La Bluagrana's lack of defensive midfield presence was evident.

However, this instalment of Europe's fiercest derby could be different. Marc Casado will be burdened with the responsibility of denying Bellingham joy, something he did effectively in the 4-0 victory earlier this term. Crunching into tackles and hoovering up the ground, he limited space for Madrid's midfield threats impressively.

Whether Casado can do the same against a reinvigorated Bellingham remains to be seen, but it will be a fascinating duel between two young dynamos in the engine room.

Kylian Mbappe vs Pau Cubarsi

Kylian Mbappe found some form at the end of last year / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Kylian Mbappe's debut Clasico was one he has likely shunted to the back of his mind. Permanently offside and outsmarted by Barcelona's backline, Madrid's No.9 endured a rotten evening from which he struggled to recover. Until recently, at least.

Mbappe started to find his stride in the closing weeks of 2024, scoring five times in December to silence those already writing the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar off. That form is yet to carry over into the new year - he's blanked in Madrid's three matches this term - but there are shoots of hope for Mbappe as he seeks vengeance on Sunday.

17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who performed superbly to frustrate Mbappe on his Clasico bow, could be on the receiving end of that vigour in Jeddah. The teenager has seldom looked overawed on the grandest stage and is now growing increasingly familiar with what is expected in such gargantuan fixtures.

Keeping Mbappe quiet is no easy feat and Cubarsi will be hopeful of another off day for the World Cup winner. He will need plenty of support from centre-back partner Inigo Martinez, who has proven the perfect foil to Cubarsi for much of the season.