The stage is set for yet another electrifying El Clasico as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona prepare to clash in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The match will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with kickoff scheduled for 8 PM CET on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Fans are eager to witness this high-stakes encounter between Spain’s footballing giants.
Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid comes into the final with a full-strength squad.
Despite earlier injury worries about Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Luka Modric, Ancelotti has assured fans that all key players are match-ready. Modric, recently recovered from an illness, is set to play a pivotal role.
“The problems from the match against Mallorca have been resolved. We arrive with a lot of enthusiasm and confidence, as always in finals,” Ancelotti stated during the pre-match briefing.
He continued, “It’s a final. We’re very close to another title, and we’re thinking positively. Playing against Barcelona is always something special.”
Real Madrid, aiming to secure their third trophy of the season, will field the same lineup that triumphed 3-0 over Mallorca in the semifinals.
Thibaut Courtois will man the goal, with Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Lucas Vazquez forming the defense. Eduardo Camavinga and Valverde will anchor the midfield, with Bellingham in a more advanced role.
The attacking trio will feature Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on the wings, supporting Kylian Mbappe up front.
On the other side, Barcelona, led by Hansi Flick, is determined to avenge last year’s 3-1 Super Cup final loss to Madrid.
The Catalan club is pursuing its 15th Spanish Super Cup title, a feat that would further solidify its dominance in the competition’s history.
Midfield sensation Pedri, who has been in remarkable form under Flick, expressed the team’s strong resolve ahead of the final.
“The dressing room is motivated and really looking forward to playing in this final. A trophy is up for grabs, and the fact that it’s against Real Madrid makes it even more special,” Pedri remarked in his pre-match comments.
Barcelona booked their place in the final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semis.
Despite thrashing Madrid 4-0 earlier this season in La Liga, Pedri emphasized the need for caution.
“It will be very tough to replicate that performance. They’ll be out for revenge, but we’ll need to control the game and ensure they don’t hurt us on counterattacks,” he added.
Barcelona’s attacking threat will be spearheaded by Pedri’s creativity, complemented by the speed of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Defensive solidity will come from Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, while Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor provide Hansi Flick with valuable options to adjust his tactics.
With both teams in excellent form and a trophy on the line, fans can expect an unforgettable showdown.
