Three things Real Madrid must do to beat Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final | OneFootball

In the space of just half a season, Xabi Alonso’s situation at Real Madrid has changed dramatically. 

He arrived with a clear vision, determined to modernise structures, impose new ideas, and leave his own mark on the club. Very quickly, however, ambition gave way to reality. 

What was meant to be a long-term project has turned into a constant test of survival, where every decision is judged under a microscope.

In his early weeks, Alonso attempted to outline his own footballing manifesto. But at Real Madrid, time is a luxury rarely afforded. 

From the top, results alone have not been the issue. Alonso has already beaten both Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone, his direct rivals for silverware. 

Yet at Real Madrid, victories are only part of the equation. The fans demand conviction, clarity, and a sense that the man on the bench truly represents the club’s competitive identity. 

Now, as Los Blancos prepare to face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, there are three areas Alonso’s side must execute perfectly if they are to lift the trophy.

Win the 1v1 defensive battles

Real Madrid defenders need more balance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There is no escaping the reality that Barcelona arrive as the more polished attacking unit. 

Their movement, speed, and confidence in wide areas pose a constant threat, especially against a Real Madrid defence weakened by injuries. 

While these absences are unfortunate, they are not new. This is now the third season in which Madrid have had to cope with key defensive players being unavailable.

As things stand, Alonso is once again expected to deploy Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia together in defence, with Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen both doubts for the final. 

This combination has worked in patches, but it places huge responsibility on individual defending. 

Carreras has shown before that he can limit dangerous wingers, having reduced Lamine Yamal’s influence both during his time at Benfica and in the last Clasico wearing white.

This final will demand the same focus. With no natural right-back available, Federico Valverde is likely to spend long periods tracking back and protecting his flank. 

Meanwhile, Raul Asencio must remain alert throughout to deal with Ferran Torres, whose off-the-ball movement can punish even the smallest lapse. 

If Real Madrid lose these individual battles, Barcelona will quickly take control.

Bring more creativity in midfield

Jude Bellingham will need to be more authoritative. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

On paper, Real Madrid’s midfield is full of elite talent. In practice, it has often looked rigid and predictable. 

Over recent months, the unit has struggled to dictate games, especially against opponents comfortable in possession. 

The creative spark that once defined Madrid during the Luka Modric and Toni Kroos era is clearly missing.

Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga all bring energy, power, and intelligence. 

However, none of them naturally provides the pause, vision, and rhythm that makes defences uncomfortable. 

Too often, Madrid’s build-up becomes easy to read, with attacks developing in straight lines rather than through inventive combinations.

This issue is magnified against Barcelona, who thrive when opponents lack midfield control. 

Alonso must find a way to introduce variation, whether through positioning, quicker ball circulation, or better movement between the lines. 

At the same time, stopping Pedri from dictating the tempo is essential. If the Barcelona midfielder is allowed to control the game, Madrid will spend long spells chasing shadows rather than controlling the momentum.

Beat Barcelona’s offside trap

Barcelona have already shown they know how to neutralise Real Madrid’s attack. 

Mbappe has a big task to perform. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Their high defensive line, combined with aggressive pressing, has caused consistent problems in recent meetings. 

The clearest example came in 2024, when Kylian Mbappe was repeatedly caught offside during a La Liga clash.

In that game, Mbappe was flagged eight times, accounting for the majority of Madrid’s offsides. 

Four of those came within the opening 20 minutes, completely disrupting Madrid’s rhythm. 

Two goals were also ruled out, turning what could have been a statement performance into a frustrating evening. 

Across his La Liga career, most of Mbappe’s offsides against Barcelona stem from that single match, highlighting how effective their defensive setup can be.

For the Super Cup final, timing and patience will be key. The likes of Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. must vary their runs, avoid rushing moves, and resist the temptation to attack space too early. 

If they fail to adapt, Barcelona’s defensive line will once again dictate the flow of the game.