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Real Madrid eliminate Atlético and set up Super Cup Clásico against Barcelona

Real Madrid booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final after a thrilling 2–1 victory over rivals and neighbors Atlético Madrid, in the semi-final clash held at the “King Abdullah Sports City” Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

With this win, Los Blancos set up a blockbuster final against Barcelona, in a repeat of last season’s final which was won by the Catalan side, who had already secured their place in the final after crushing Athletic Bilbao 5–0.

Key match moments

Real Madrid entered the encounter with clear intent and imposed their rhythm from the opening seconds, needing just 75 seconds to open the scoring through captain Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan unleashed a thunderous direct free kick from around 25 meters, which flew past Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak and into the net, giving his side an early advantage that unsettled Atlético.

After the goal, Real Madrid continued to apply pressure, making the most of their pace on the counter-attack. Brazilian forward Rodrygo came close to doubling the lead with a rapid break, before Atlético gradually regained their composure and launched several dangerous attempts, all of which were brilliantly dealt with by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois — particularly shots from Álex Baena and Norway’s Alexander Sørloth — once again underlining his importance in major matches.

At the start of the second half, Real Madrid maintained their superiority and struck their second goal just ten minutes in. Valverde turned provider with a precise assist to Rodrygo, who dribbled past the defense and calmly slotted the ball into the net, strengthening Real Madrid’s grip on the match and dealing a heavy blow to Atlético’s ambitions.

Atlético’s response was swift, however, as they pulled one back just three minutes later. An excellent cross from Argentine Giuliano Simeone reached the far post, where Sørloth rose highest to head the ball into the net, reigniting the contest and setting up a tense finale.

The remaining minutes saw chances for both sides. Rodrygo nearly grabbed his second goal of the night, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Oblak at close range. At the other end, Courtois continued his fine display, stopping an audacious effort from Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, while two dangerous shots from Marcos Llorente narrowly missed the target.

Real Madrid’s qualification confirms their strong presence in the Spanish Super Cup, which is held in its new four-team format amid significant fan interest. The victory also reflects a return to technical stability for the team and its ability to win major matches against direct rivals.

The eagerly awaited final against Barcelona will present a fresh test for both sides in a renewed Clásico, carrying an element of revenge for Real Madrid and a determination from Barça to defend their title, in a showdown that promises plenty of excitement and intensity on Sunday evening in Jeddah.

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