A stunning early free-kick from Federico Valverde and a clinical second-half finish by Rodrygo were enough for Real Madrid to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Atlético de Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The win books Xabi Alonso's side a place in Sunday's final against Barcelona, who thrashed Athletic Bilbao in their own semi-final. The match at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah was a captivating, end-to-end affair that saw Atlético rue a host of missed opportunities, while Real Madrid's clinical edge ultimately proved the difference. Match Analysis Real Madrid started with intent, needing only 77 seconds for Valverde to thunder a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner, leaving Jan Oblak helpless and marking one of the quickest goals in the history of the Madrid derby. Despite this early setback, Diego Simeone's men responded strongly, dominating possession for large spells of the first half and testing Thibaut Courtois with efforts from Álex Baena and Alexander Sørloth. The Norwegian striker, in particular, should have leveled the score before the break but headed wide from a Conor Gallagher cross. The second half saw a moment of individual brilliance restore Real Madrid's two-goal cushion. In the 55th minute, Valverde turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted long pass to Rodrygo, who controlled the ball with an excellent first touch before accelerating away from his marker and slotting coolly past Oblak. Atlético's response was swift. Just three minutes later, Giuliano Simeone found Sørloth at the back post, who outjumped defender Raúl Asencio to head home and halve the deficit. The final stages saw Atlético push desperately for an equalizer, bringing on the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada. Courtois was forced into a crucial save from an acrobatic Griezmann effort, and Julián Álvarez flashed a shot wide in deep stoppage time, but Real Madrid held on to grind out the result and advance.
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Key Insights Valverde's Masterclass: Deployed at right-back, Valverde was the clear MVP, scoring a wonder goal and providing the key assist for the second. Atlético's Frustration: Despite having more shots (22 attempts to Real Madrid's 8) and a higher expected goals (xG) tally, Atlético's lack of a finishing touch cost them a place in the final. Defensive Grit: Xabi Alonso's side showed impressive resolve, particularly in the final minutes, to defend their lead, even ending the match without a natural center-back on the pitch due to tactical changes. Real Madrid now look ahead to a highly anticipated El Clásico final against fierce rivals Barcelona on Sunday, January 11.
Real Madrid
