Real Madrid booked their place in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final after a hard-fought victory over their city rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah, extending their dominance in one of Spain’s most heated football rivalries and setting up a blockbuster Superclasico showdown with Barcelona.
Managed by Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid approached the high-stakes derby with a sense of purpose, determined to avenge their 5-2 defeat to Atletico earlier this season. The players appeared focused and disciplined from the first whistle, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence and individual brilliance that would prove decisive in the match’s outcome.
Lightning start sets the tone
The contest barely began before Real Madrid stunned Atletico. Inside the opening 90 seconds, Federico Valverde unleashed a thunderous free-kick from approximately 30 yards, leaving Jan Oblak rooted and unable to respond. The goal not only gave Madrid the lead but also immediately put Atletico on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game from the outset.
With the early advantage secured, Madrid shifted into a controlled rhythm, allowing Atletico to hold possession while maintaining defensive structure and waiting for opportunities to exploit spaces left by the visitors. The tactical balance allowed Madrid to dictate the tempo while minimizing risk, a strategy that paid dividends as Atletico struggled to convert promising chances.
Despite creating clear opportunities, Atletico’s forwards could not find the back of the net. Alexander Sørloth missed two key chances that could have changed the dynamic of the game, while Alex Baena’s effort was denied by a spectacular save from Thibaut Courtois. The home side’s inefficiency in front of goal would prove costly as Madrid patiently waited for their moment.
Madrid punish missed chances
Ten minutes into the second half, Madrid doubled their lead. Rodrygo Goes perfectly timed his run to latch onto Valverde’s incisive pass, calmly slotting the ball past Oblak to make it 2-0. The clinical finish highlighted Madrid’s sharpness in transition and their ability to punish defensive lapses instantly.
Atletico responded in the 60th minute, with Sørloth finally converting a header at the back post, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The goal injected urgency into Diego Simeone’s side, prompting them to push forward aggressively in search of an equalizer. Substitutions such as Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada brought fresh energy, but Madrid’s composure and tactical discipline remained unwavering.
Even in the closing stages, Madrid adapted fluidly to the loss of a natural centre-back, showing remarkable resilience and tactical awareness to withstand Atletico’s late pressure. Courtois continued to be a pivotal figure between the posts, ensuring the narrow lead was preserved until the final whistle.
The victory not only secures Real Madrid a place in the Superclasico final against Barcelona on Sunday but also reinforces their status as one of Spain’s most formidable sides in high-pressure encounters. Barcelona had previously demolished Athletic Club in the other semi-final on Wednesday, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the nation’s two footballing giants.
Fans and pundits alike are now eagerly anticipating the final, with Madrid’s early-season form, attacking prowess, and defensive resilience providing optimism for the side as they aim to claim another prestigious trophy and assert their dominance in Spanish football’s marquee rivalry.