Saturday 10 / January / 2026
JEDDAH-- There is mixed news for Real Madrid after its 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Spanish Supercup on Thursday night, as one in and one out.
Federico Valverde's thundering early free kick and Rodrygo's goal in the 54th minute saw Real Madrid past its local rival to book a meeting against FC Barcelona in the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on Sunday, but the star of the show was goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois who pulled off a string of saves to deny an Atletico that was the better side on the night.
Real Madrid was without top-scorer Kylian Mbappe for the semi-final as he stayed in Madrid with a knee injury, but after the semi-final Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso told the press Mbappe was flying to Saudi Arabia and could play in Sunday's final.
"He is a lot better, he has been training and the feeling is good and he has the same chances of playing as everyone who is here," commented Alonso.
The Real Madrid coach had worse news about central defender Antonio Rudiger, who was forced off in the second half with a knee problem and he said it was "improbable" that the German would be fit for Sunday.
Defender Raul Asencio and Rodrygo also ended Thursday's game with muscle problems and are doubts for Sunday, but for the moment neither has been ruled out."
