Real Madrid vs Atlético: Saudi Super Cup & El Clásico Preview

Judging by the white shirts and the support in the stadium in Jeddah, filled with more than 60,000 spectators, the majority of the spectators were Real Madrid fans. So it seemed like a home game for the Royal.

With Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger in the center of the defense and Dean Huijsen on the bench, what Real showed was not always eye-catching. The opening goal in the second minute certainly deserved that characterization.

Real was allowed to take a free kick in a place where you would expect a left-footed shot. Federico Valverde, however, shot the ball beautifully with the outside of the right instep along the wall and into the goal for goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Ten minutes after the break, Real struck again after a good move by the Brazilian Rodrygo, but the tension quickly returned via the Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth. Atlético then pressed on, had chances to equalize, but did not score again.

Vinícius Júnior was once again much discussed. The Brazilian has struggled with his form this season and is regularly booed by his own fans. That was also the case now.

He also got into trouble with Atlético coach Diego Simeone. What exactly was said on the sidelines is unknown, but according to Spanish media Simeone said the following: “Vini, Vini. Remember what I tell you, Florentino (president Pérez, ed.) is going to send you away.”

That was at the beginning of the match and when the attacker was replaced by Xabi Alonso in the 81st minute, there was another collision with Simeone, after which the Real coach again lashed out at his Atlético colleague.

“You can’t talk about my players like that. Then you cross a line,” said Xabi Alonso afterwards.

In any case, Real can prepare for Sunday’s final. The final battle of the Supercopa de España has also been between the two superpowers over the past three years.

Three years ago the victory went to Barcelona (3-1), two years ago to Real (4-1) and last year Barcelona won the cup (5-2).