Real Madrid Set Up El Clasico Showdown with Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup Final
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, January 8, 2026 – Real Madrid secured their place in the Spanish Super Cup final after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in Jeddah. Goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo gave Los Blancos the edge, despite Alexander Sorloth’s late reply for Atletico. Barcelona, meanwhile, demolished Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in their semi-final, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated El Clasico final on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Match Highlights
Real Madrid dominated the early stages, with Valverde scoring a stunning free-kick in the second minute to put them ahead. Rodrygo doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a composed finish after a brilliant run. Atletico pulled one back through Sorloth’s header three minutes later, but could not find an equalizer despite late pressure. Barcelona’s semi-final was one-sided, with Raphinha scoring a brace in a convincing win that showcased their attacking prowess.
Key Facts and Stats
| Aspect | Real Madrid vs Atletico | Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 2-1 | 5-0 |
| Goals | Valverde (2′), Rodrygo (55′) | Raphinha (2), Yamal, Olmo, Torres |
| Possession | 55% | 62% |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of this El Clasico?
The Spanish Super Cup final pits the two biggest rivals in Spanish football against each other, with Real Madrid aiming to win their first trophy under manager Xabi Alonso, while Barcelona seeks to build on their dominant league form.
When and where is the final?
The match will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
How have the teams performed recently?
Real Madrid are atop La Liga with 45 points from 19 games, while Barcelona are second with 49 points. Their last meeting in October 2025 ended in a 2-1 win for Real Madrid.