A Supercopa de España Preview from the Real Madrid Perspective | OneFootball

The Supercopa de España final once again sees a familiar fixture, as Real Madrid take on FC Barcelona for the title. This will be the fourth Supercopa de España final in a row featuring these two teams. In those games, Barcelona have won twice and Los Blancos have won once. Now, with Sunday’s final looming at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia, can Real Madrid take away Barcelona’s grip on the trophy?

The Build Up

Real Madrid edged out city rivals Atlético Madrid in a tense 2-1 semifinal victory that carried plenty of storylines. An absolute golazo from a free kick yards out by Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the second minute. Valverde added to his influence by providing an assist to Rodrygo in the second half to make it two. Despite Alexander Sorloth pulling one back later on, Madrid held firm and defended desperately to close out the win.

In truth, Madrid were saved by moments of individual brilliance and a lack of ruthlessness in Atlético’s attack. The Madrid defense had no answer for crosses and through balls into the final third. Had Atletico been more clinical, especially Sorloth, they could have taken control early. Atlético finished with 22 shots compared to Real Madrid’s eight. Only six of those were on target. Thibaut Courtois was outstanding once again, keeping out everything except one effort.

Real Madrid Team News

The biggest news from Madrid is the return of Kylian Mbappé. After picking up an injury late last year, the Frenchman has traveled with the squad to Jeddah ahead of the final. In his absence, young striker Gonzalo Garcia stepped up, scoring a hat trick against Real Betis and playing a key role in the semifinal against Atletico. Mbappe’s return is massive for Los Blancos, as he is currently Real Madrid’s top scorer in both La Liga, and the Champions League. With 29 goals in 24 matches this season, he could be decisive if Xabi Alonso chooses to start him.

Dean Huijsen could also return to the lineup after being on the bench against Atlético while recovering from injury. Both Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger picked up knocks in the semifinal, so Huijsen could start in their place.

The Opposition: Hansi Flick’s Machine

Anyone who believes Real Madrid are favorites simply because they beat Barcelona earlier this season is mistaken. Hansi Flick’s side demolished Athletic Club 5-0, scoring four goals before halftime. Before that, they took care of city rivals Espanyol with a 2-0 win. Barcelona are currently on a nine game winning streak in all competitions and have not conceded in their last five matches, largely thanks to Joan Garcia’s performances in goal.

Lamine Yamal should be fit to start. He did not begin the semifinal against Athletic Club, with Roony Bardghji getting the nod instead. Bardghji scored and played well, but Yamal is likely to return to the starting lineup. Ronald Araújo has returned to the squad after a sabbatical to address mental health concerns, but has a slim chance of starting. Throwing him into a high pressure final could be risky for his recovery if things go wrong. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has also traveled after returning to Barcelona for treatment, but Joan Garcia is still expected to start.

What To Expect

Real Madrid entered this tournament as underdogs, which is not something said often. Xabi Alonso remains under pressure, Vinicius’ off field situation and Mbappé’s injury were major talking points, and even the win against Atlético was far from convincing. Barcelona, meanwhile, are in one of their strongest runs of the season and have corrected many early campaign issues. Barcelona will look to level this season’s Clásico head to head at 1-1 after losing the league meeting in October. Barça are the most successful club in Spanish Super Cup history with 15 titles. If Real Madrid win, they will move to within one title at 14.

Real Madrid are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, regardless of whether Mbappé starts. Garcia or Mbappé up top, with Vinicius Jr on the left, Jude Bellingham as the central attacking midfielder, and Rodrygo or Franco Mastantuono on the right. Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni should remain as the double pivot. Behind them, Alvaro Carreras and Federico Valverde are expected to continue at fullback. The center back pairing is uncertain, but Dean Huijsen is likely to start alongside either Antonio Rudiger or Raul Asencio. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal.

This will be the 263rd official El Clásico. Real Madrid have won 106, Barcelona 104, with 52 draws. In Supercopa de España history, the teams have met 18 times, with Real Madrid winning 10 of those encounters.

El Clásico should live up to its reputation. While the match is extremely close to call, we believe Real Madrid will edge past Barcelona with a 2-1 victory.