Spanish Super Cup Final Preview: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Barcelona head into Sunday night’s Spanish Super Cup final in imperious form after cruising past Athletic Club in the semi-finals. Hansi Flick’s side were four goals clear by half-time and never needed to shift out of second gear, a commanding display that also handed them a valuable recovery advantage ahead of El Clásico.
The Catalan giants were outstanding in midweek, with Raphinha stealing the spotlight by scoring twice, while Fermin López, Ferran Torres and Roony Bardghji also found the net. That emphatic victory has set Barcelona up perfectly as they chase a record-extending 16th Spanish Super Cup title.
Barcelona in Red-Hot Form
Barcelona arrive at the final on a nine-match winning streak across all competitions and have not lost a domestic fixture since their narrow 2-1 La Liga defeat to Real Madrid at the end of October. Flick’s side look settled, confident and dangerous in all areas of the pitch.
The Blaugrana also boast an impressive recent record in El Clásico, having won four of the last five meetings with Los Blancos. While Real Madrid have claimed victory in five of the last nine encounters overall, momentum appears to be firmly on Barcelona’s side heading into the 263rd competitive meeting between the two Spanish giants.
Last season’s Spanish Super Cup final saw Barcelona dominate Real Madrid in a 5-2 triumph, and they will be eager to repeat that success on the big stage once again.
Real Madrid Battle Through Tough Semi-Final
Real Madrid, by contrast, were forced to work much harder for their place in the final. Xabi Alonso’s men edged past Atlético Madrid 2-1 in a tense semi-final encounter that went down to the wire.
Federico Valverde opened the scoring with a stunning long-range free kick before Rodrygo doubled the advantage early in the second half. Atlético responded through Alexander Sørloth just before the hour mark, creating an uncomfortable finish for Los Blancos, who ultimately held on.
Real Madrid have lifted the Spanish Super Cup 13 times, most recently in 2024 when they thrashed Barcelona 4-1 in the final. However, they currently trail their rivals by four points in the La Liga table, adding extra motivation to reclaim silverware here.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Barcelona will once again be without Gavi and Andreas Christensen due to knee injuries, while Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined. There is positive news, however, with Lamine Yamal expected to return to the starting XI after making a substitute appearance against Athletic.
Ronald Araújo is back in full training but may not be rushed into the starting lineup, meaning Eric García is likely to continue alongside Pau Cubarsí in central defence. Flick’s attacking depth is evident, with Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski and Bardghji all possible options from the bench.
Barcelona possible XI:
J. Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric García, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin López; Ferran Torres
Real Madrid have received a major boost with Kylian Mbappé returning from a knee injury and potentially slotting straight back into the starting lineup. However, injuries remain a concern, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão and Brahim Díaz unavailable.
Rodrygo, Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio will all be assessed after picking up knocks against Atlético, while Dean Huijsen could be drafted in if defensive changes are required.
Real Madrid possible XI:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
Final Thoughts
While the Spanish Super Cup may not define a season for either club, any El Clásico carries enormous prestige. With Barcelona flying high and Real Madrid eager to reassert their dominance, Sunday’s final promises intensity, quality and drama on the biggest stage.
