Spanish Super Cup: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Live
Preview
The upcoming match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup will determine which team advances to the final. This clash in Saudi Arabia is the first of three Madrid derbies scheduled to take place in the next month, with the teams also set to face each other in the next round of the Copa del Rey.
Real Madrid is heading to Saudi Arabia with confidence, having won their last five competitive matches, including a 3-1 victory in the Copa del Rey against Arandina. In this match, Arda Guler made his long-awaited debut, and a revamped Real Madrid team comfortably secured the win with goals from Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo. With Carlo Ancelotti’s team still in contention for four trophies, they are now focusing on the Spanish Super Cup, a competition they have won twice since the four-team format was introduced in the 2019-20 season.
Real Madrid has won the Spanish Super Cup 12 times overall but missed the opportunity to add to that tally last season, losing 3-1 to Barcelona after defeating Valencia on penalties in the semi-finals. Before potentially facing Barcelona or Osasuna in the final, Real Madrid must first navigate a challenging match against their city rivals, with whom they last met in the Spanish Super Cup in 2020, winning in a penalty shootout. Despite a recent loss to Atletico, Real Madrid has responded strongly, going on a 19-game unbeaten run, including 16 wins and three draws in all competitions since their defeat in September.
In contrast to their city rivals, Atleti have only won the Spanish Super Cup twice. They first won in 1984 and then again in 2014 with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. However, unlike Real Madrid, Atletico has been struggling for consistency lately, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches.
One of those defeats was against Girona, leaving them in fifth place and 10 points behind the top of the table. Despite their challenges in the league, they are still in contention for the Copa del Rey trophy after a 3-1 win against Lugo. They are now preparing for their third appearance in the Super Cup, their first since losing in the semi-finals in 2022.
Head-to-head
Atletico Madrid triumphed with a 3-1 victory in the initial derby of the season, defeating their local rivals at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano in September 2023. The teams previously faced off in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal a year ago, with Real Madrid progressing with a 3-1 win in extra time.
Prediction
Real Madrid suffered a defeat to their local rivals in the Madrid derby in September, but they are currently in excellent form with five consecutive victories. We predict that they will maintain this winning streak by securing a close victory against Atletico, who have been inconsistent in their recent performances.
