Spanish Super Cup: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Live
Preview
For the second consecutive year, Real Madrid will once again compete against their El Clasico rivals, Barcelona, in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid secured their spot in the final by defeating Atletico Madrid in extra time, while Barcelona overcame Osasuna in their semi-final match.
Real Madrid is getting ready for their third consecutive appearance in the Spanish Super Cup final after defeating Atletico in a thrilling Madrid derby on Wednesday. Los Blancos came from behind to take a 2-1 lead with goals from Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy, but Atleti managed to equalize with an Antoine Griezmann goal and a Rudiger own goal. However, Dani Carvajal leveled the score in the 85th minute, and substitutes Joselu and Brahim Diaz scored in extra time to secure Real Madrid’s first-ever Spanish Super Cup victory over their local rivals.
Real Madrid now has the opportunity to win the trophy for the first time in five seasons and the 13th time in their history, bringing them within one Spanish Super Cup of record winners Barcelona. Despite falling short in last year’s final against their rivals, Real Madrid will enter Sunday’s contest with confidence, having not lost in their last 20 competitive matches, winning 17 and drawing 3, since their defeat to Atleti in September.
After waiting for five years, Barcelona finally won the Super Cup last season. Now, they have the opportunity to win the trophy for the second consecutive year following their 2-0 victory over Osasuna in the semi-final. Robert Lewandowski scored the opening goal just before the hour mark, marking his 11th goal of the season. Substitute Lamine Yamal sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time, securing Barcelona’s third consecutive victory in all competitions and ending a six-game wait for a clean sheet. This late goal was crucial for Xavi’s team, as it was their first win by a two-goal margin or more since their 5-0 victory in the Champions League clash with Royal Antwerp in September.
Currently in third place in La Liga, seven points behind Real Madrid, Barcelona may have extra motivation to claim the silverware on Sunday, especially after losing to their rivals in October’s league meeting. They are not only determined to defeat their famous old foes but also have the chance to win consecutive Spanish Super Cups for the first time since 2010 and 2011 when Pep Guardiola was the coach and Xavi was leading the midfield. Additionally, they could become the first reigning league champions to lift the trophy since their 2-1 victory over Sevilla in August 2018.
Head-to-head
Jude Bellingham made a dramatic impact in the first El Classico of the 2023/24 season at Camp Now, scoring two goals in the second half to secure Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona. This win marks Real Madrid’s second consecutive victory against Barcelona in all competitions, following three consecutive losses.
Prediction
After a closely contested match in October, we anticipate another close encounter between the two teams in the final on Sunday. Although the outcome will be determined by small differences, Real Madrid has demonstrated their ability to secure wins in recent months, and we believe they will do just enough to secure a narrow victory over Barcelona in Riyadh.
