MATCH PREVIEW | Defending champions vs debutants at Al Jawhara Stadium

FC Barcelona’s victory over Athletic Club in Wednesday’s first Spanish Super Cup semi-final has set the stage for the Catalans to await their opponent for Sunday’s title-deciding match in Jeddah.

That opponent will be determined this Thursday in a clash between RCD Mallorca, making their debut in this vibrant four-team format, and the tournament’s reigning champions, Real Madrid.

After five years, Real Madrid returns to the majestic Al Jawhara Stadium, the venue where they claimed the Spanish Super Cup in 2020—the inaugural edition of this current competition model. The Madrid side also comes into this year’s tournament as defending champions.

The match, broadcast live across five continents, will air on Movistar Plus+ at 20:00 CET.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team begins the year full of ambition, looking to back up their aspirations with results on the pitch. The first test will take place in the imposing Al Jawhara Stadium against RCD Mallorca, one of the standout teams of the season.

Click here to hear the pre-match statements from players and coaches of Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca.

Jagoba Arrasate’s team enters the Spanish Super Cup while occupying European qualification spots in La Liga. Known for their defensive solidity, physicality, and teamwork all over the pitch, the squad is fully fit apart from the Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa, who remains a doubt.

Their recent Copa del Rey elimination against Pontevedra has not dented the competitiveness of the team, who held Real Madrid to a draw in their league meeting earlier this season.

Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea will referee the match, with Daniel Trujillo Suárez overseeing VAR duties.

Real Madrid will benefit from the return of Brazilian forward Vinícius Jr. and the inclusion of David Alaba, who has been named in the squad following a lengthy injury absence. However, key defenders like Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined.

The reigning champions will rely on their dazzling attacking power, spearheaded by Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Bellingham alongside Vinícius Jr. Veteran Luka Modrić, eager to add another title to his illustrious career at 39 years old, also returns to Jeddah.

A thrilling spectacle is expected as these two teams battle for a trophy that continues to live up to and better its already high expectations, with much more to come before Sunday’s grand finale in Jeddah.

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