Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in a closely contested Spanish Super Cup semi-final played in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, sealing a place in the final against arch-rivals Barcelona.
Goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo Goes proved decisive for Madrid, while Alexander Sorloth managed a late response for Diego Simeone’s side, which ultimately fell short in Jeddah.
The win marked Madrid’s fifth straight success in all competitions, underlining a steady upturn in form after a turbulent period. Alonso had come under heavy pressure toward the end of 2025 following a series of uneven results that left his future uncertain, but the former midfielder has gradually guided his squad back to stability and confidence.
Earlier in the season, Alonso had enjoyed a strong statement moment by leading Madrid to victory over Barcelona in his first Clasico as head coach in October, before the team’s performances dipped.
This semi-final, however, suggested a side rediscovering balance and belief, even in the absence of French star Kylian Mbappe, who remains sidelined while recovering from a knee sprain. Alonso again showed faith in young forward Gonzalo Garcia, rewarding his recent hat-trick against Real Betis by keeping him at the heart of the attack.
Although Atletico had thrashed their city rivals 5-2 in a La Liga derby back in September, this encounter was far more even and tactical.
Madrid struck almost immediately, taking the lead just two minutes in when Valverde unleashed a powerful free-kick that tore through a poorly set wall and beat Jan Oblak despite the goalkeeper getting a touch. Sorloth, stationed in the wall, appeared unable to do enough to block the strike, which flew in with unstoppable force.
Valverde’s celebration reflected both relief and joy, as the midfielder savoured his first goal of what had been a challenging campaign. With the early advantage secured, Madrid dropped deeper, inviting Atletico to push forward while looking to punish them on the break. One such moment nearly paid off when Oblak reacted sharply to deny Rodrygo after the Brazilian drifted inside from the right.
Atletico gradually found their rhythm and created several opportunities before the break. Thibaut Courtois produced a fine save to tip away Sorloth’s header, before the Norwegian forward squandered another chance by directing Conor Gallagher’s cross wide from close range. Julian Alvarez also tested Courtois, but the Madrid goalkeeper remained alert to keep his side ahead.
The second half saw Madrid regain control, and in the 55th minute Rodrygo doubled their lead with his third goal in five matches. The Brazilian burst through a gap in Atletico’s defence and calmly guided the ball past Oblak, continuing an impressive run of form in recent weeks.
Atletico responded quickly, pulling a goal back just three minutes later when Sorloth finally found his finishing touch. Rising to meet Giuliano Simeone’s cross, the striker nudged defender Raul Asencio just enough to gain space before heading home, a physical but legal challenge that reignited his team’s hopes.
The closing stages were tense, with Atletico pushing hard for an equaliser. Courtois once again proved crucial, producing an acrobatic save to deny Antoine Griezmann, while Marcos Llorente sent a shot narrowly wide. Deep into stoppage time, Alvarez flashed an effort across the face of goal, but it was not enough to save Atletico’s Super Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.
Madrid will now face Barcelona in Sunday’s final at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium, after the Catalans delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
What you should know
Real Madrid’s win over Atletico Madrid highlights a growing sense of momentum under Xabi Alonso after a difficult spell earlier in the season.
Despite missing key players like Kylian Mbappe, Madrid showed tactical discipline, defensive resilience and clinical finishing at key moments. Atletico created chances and applied late pressure, but were undone by early concessions and missed opportunities.
The result sets up another high-stakes Clasico final against Barcelona, offering Alonso a major opportunity to claim silverware and further cement his authority at the club.
