Real Madrid Overcomes Mallorca to Set Up a “Super Clásico” with Barcelona
Real Madrid will face their arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The reigning champions will take on Barcelona on Sunday at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham (63′), Martin Valjent (own goal, 90+2′), and Rodrygo (90+5′).
Real Madrid aims to clinch their third trophy this season after winning the UEFA Super Cup last summer and the Intercontinental Cup late last month. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick hopes to secure his first title with the club.
The La Liga leaders dominated much of the match, controlling 65% possession and attempting 28 shots. They broke the deadlock when Vinícius Júnior sent a cross into the box, which Rodrygo headed against the left post. The rebound fell to Bellingham, who slotted it into the net despite heavy defensive pressure (63′).
Four minutes after being subbed on, Moroccan Brahim Díaz exchanged passes with Kylian Mbappé before sending a ball into the box. Valjent, attempting to clear, accidentally deflected it into his own net (90+2′).
Rodrygo sealed the win with a first-touch strike following a cross from Lucas Vázquez (90+5′).
Mallorca failed to register a single shot on target against Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois throughout the match.
However, Real Madrid’s victory was marred by an injury to French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who collided with Canadian forward Cyle Larin and was substituted by youngster Raúl Asensio (55′).
Tchouaméni later reassured fans, saying: “I was substituted as a precaution, but the injury isn’t serious. I feel fine and will recover well for the next match. It was a head knock, but I never lost consciousness and could communicate calmly.”
Tchouaméni, who adapted well to a center-back role amid Real’s defensive absences, praised Bellingham: “We know Jude is an exceptional player. He helps us win games with his goals, assists, and commitment. We have a fantastic team and will keep pushing until the end of the season as we’re playing great football.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, he added: “Barcelona won yesterday, and we had to win today to set up another Clásico in the final. We must win that match.”
Rodrygo also spoke after the game: “It’s always tough to play against them, but we’re ready and performing well. We want this title.” He praised Bellingham, who scored his eighth goal in the last ten matches for Real: “At the start of the season, he struggled to score, but he kept his head up and worked hard every day. The results of his efforts are clear.”
Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Tchouaméni’s condition was stable, explaining that the medical team chose to substitute him to avoid risks after the collision.
The Italian also acknowledged that both Bellingham and Federico Valverde were experiencing muscle fatigue due to the high intensity of the match. He noted that Mallorca presented a physical challenge from the start, with strong tackles and duels throughout the game.
