Derby with a ‘final destination’

Familiar foes

One of the most frequently played fixtures in football history returns this Thursday at Jeddah’s Alinma Stadium. And if there’s one thing that defines Madrid derbies, it’s their unpredictability — regardless of either team’s current form. Atlético de Madrid, who will act as the home side, and Real Madrid have met 241 times, with a record of 123 wins for Los Blancos, 58 draws, and 60 victories for the Colchoneros.

In the Spanish Super Cup, this will be the fifth meeting between the two city rivals. So far, Real Madrid have won two of those encounters, while Atlético claimed victory in the two-legged final in 2014.

The first Madrid derby in Supercopa history came in its 31st edition back in 2014. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg at Real Madrid’s ground — with goals from James Rodríguez and Raúl García — Atlético hosted the return leg at the Vicente Calderón. Fresh off winning their tenth league title, Simeone’s side beat Real Madrid thanks to a lone goal from Mario Mandžukić, lifting the Supercopa de España for the first time.

In 2020, with the introduction of the new four-team format, both Madrid clubs — having eliminated Valencia and Barcelona respectively — met again in the final in Jeddah. After a goalless draw in regulation time, the trophy was decided by penalties. Real Madrid were flawless from the spot, securing their 11th Super Cup crown.

The most recent Supercopa clash between the two came in the 2024 semifinals, two years ago. Played at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, the match was marked by goals and constant swings in momentum. Mario Hermoso gave Atlético the lead, but Rüdiger and Mendy turned the score around before the half-hour mark. Griezmann and an own goal from the German defender restored Atlético’s advantage, only for Dani Carvajal to equalize late on. In extra time, Real Madrid prevailed thanks to an own goal by Savić and a strike from Brahim Díaz.

You already know it — but here’s the reminder once more.

Tonight, it’s DERBY NIGHT on @MovistarFutbol.
#superSupercopa

Battle of the tactics boards

Diego Pablo Simeone and Xabi Alonso will face each other for the fourth time as head coaches, and the second time in a derby. The Argentine, who has never lost against teams coached by Alonso — Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid — will take charge of his 49th match against Los Blancos. His record stands at 20 wins for Real Madrid, 15 draws, and 13 victories for Atlético.

The only time they have faced each other while managing their current clubs was on September 27, when Atlético won 5–2 at the Metropolitano on matchday seven of the league season.

Simeone and Alonso also crossed paths as players during the 2003/04 season, representing Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad respectively. The Argentine even found the net in the first-leg encounter that season.

The stadium

Alinma Stadium, located within King Abdullah Sports City, will host the entire 42nd edition of the Spanish Super Cup. With a capacity of over 60,000 spectators, the venue will provide a spectacular backdrop for a Madrid derby with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.

The stadium has already hosted two editions of the competition: 2020 — won by Real Madrid CF — and 2025, when FC Barcelona lifted the trophy.

The refereeing team

Mateo Busquets is the referee appointed by the CTA to officiate the second semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup. The Balearic official is no stranger to Madrid derbies, having refereed one last season on matchday eight, which ended in a 1–1 draw. At 32 years old, he has officiated six Real Madrid matches and three Atlético fixtures.

Gonzalo García and Adrián Díaz will serve as assistant referees, with Víctor García and Rubén Campo acting as fourth and fifth officials. Javier Iglesias will be in charge of VAR, assisted by Jorge Figueroa (AVAR) and Alejandro Quintero (AVAR).