Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid edged city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a tense Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, setting up a Clasico final against Barcelona.
Goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes secured a fifth straight win in all competitions for Madrid, while Alexander Sorloth’s late strike proved insufficient for Diego Simeone’s Atletico in Jeddah.
Alonso, who was reportedly close to the sack following an inconsistent run toward the end of 2025, appears to have steadied the ship. The Spanish coach had earlier guided Madrid to victory over Barcelona in his first Clasico in October, before a subsequent dip in form.
With Kylian Mbappe sidelined as he recovers from a knee sprain, Alonso again placed his faith in young striker Gonzalo Garcia, fresh from scoring a hat-trick against Real Betis last weekend.
Atletico had thrashed Madrid 5-2 in their September La Liga derby, but this contest was far more evenly matched.
Madrid struck almost immediately. Just two minutes in, Valverde unleashed a thunderous free-kick that flew past a poorly positioned wall and beyond Jan Oblak. Sorloth, stationed in the wall, could have done more to block the shot, while Oblak managed a touch but was beaten by its sheer power.
Valverde celebrated passionately, slapping his head in relief after scoring his first goal of what has been a challenging season.
The early lead allowed Madrid to sit deeper and invite Atletico forward, looking to punish them on the counter. Oblak denied Rodrygo after the Brazilian drifted inside from the right, while Atletico gradually grew into the game.
Before the break, Thibaut Courtois tipped away a Sorloth header, then watched as the Norwegian striker headed Conor Gallagher’s cross wide from close range. Julian Alvarez, struggling for form with just two goals in his last 11 matches, was also denied by the Madrid goalkeeper.
Rodrygo doubled Madrid’s advantage in the 55th minute, bursting through the heart of Atletico’s defence and calmly slotting past Oblak for his third goal in five games.
Three minutes later, Atletico responded. Giuliano Simeone’s cross was met by Sorloth, who nudged defender Raul Asencio just enough to gain space before heading home.
Simeone’s side pushed hard for an equaliser late on. Courtois produced a stunning save to deny Antoine Griezmann, while Marcos Llorente sent a fierce effort narrowly wide. In stoppage time, Alvarez flashed a shot across the face of goal, but Atletico’s hopes of forcing extra time faded.
Madrid now face Barcelona in Sunday’s final at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, after the Catalans demolished Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the other semi-final.
AFP
