JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Real Madrid locked in a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid this Thursday in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal, booking a dream 'El Clasico' final against Barcelona this Sunday in Jeddah. ⚽️🔥
Federico Valverde put Madrid ahead just two minutes in, unleashing a thunderbolt of a free-kick that rattled the top corner, leaving Jan Oblak rooted to the spot. The Uruguay midfielder wasn't done: in the 55th minute, he diced through Atlético's defence with a pinpoint pass, teeing up Rodrygo, who coolly slotted home low past Oblak. 🎯🇺🇾🇧🇷
Atlético pulled one back just three minutes later when Alexander Sorloth powered in a header off a Giuliano Simeone cross. Despite intense pressure—think late-night group-chat vibes on WhatsApp—Los Rojiblancos couldn't find the equaliser. Thibaut Courtois stood tall with key saves to keep the lead intact. 🧤💥
Missing star Kylian Mbappé, sidelined again with a knee sprain, Madrid showed depth and grit. Valverde's opener was his first goal of the season, a massive confidence boost after adapting from midfield to cover at right-back this year. He said it was a great way to snap his scoring drought and that now the squad is fully focused on the final. 💪🎉
Up next: the ultimate Clásico showdown on Sunday vs Barcelona, who thumped Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the other semi. Last year, Barça crushed Madrid 5-2 in this same tournament's final—think revenge mode! Get ready—this El Clasico final is one for the books! 🙌⚔️
Reference(s):
Real Madrid beats Atletico 2-1 for clasico final in Spanish Super Cup
cgtn.com
