Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid summary: extra time, score, goals & highlights | Spanish Super Cup semi-final
Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid: as it happened
Full-time thoughts:
Where do I begin?
Real Madrid are through to the final of the Spanish Super Cup after one of the most dramatic derbies in recent times.
Mario Hermoso put Atlético Madrid ahead early on with a header from a corner before Antonio Rüdiger drew level. Shortly after, Ferland Mendy's flick put Los Blancos in the driving seat but Griezmann evened things up with a sensational strike that also saw him become Atlético Madrid's top goal scorer of all time.
In the second half, the two teams did not stop attacking, with the energy levels rapidly dropping and mistakes becoming more common from both sides.
Riquelme's cross was met by both Kepa and Rüdiger who watched the ball bounce in the net to give Atlético hope of a comeback.
But it was not to be: Carvajal smashed the ball in from close range after both Vini and Bellingham saw their efforts blocked and we went to extra-time.
The following 30 minutes were also filled with drama, and in the end it was Joselu's touch from a Carvajal cross that bounced off Savic and over Oblak to put Ancelotti's side ahead once again. Then, with Atlético throwing everything they had at the goal, including Oblak, Brahim took advantage and passed into an empty net from distance to seal Madrid's passage into the final.
That's all, folks!
Let's leave it there!
We've seen blood, sweat, laughter and tears in one of the most dramatic games in recent times, so thankyou for tuning in.
Let's hope for 1% of today's craziness in tomorrow's tie between Barcelona and Osasuna for the remaining place in the Spanish Super Cup final!
Joe
Some crazy stats from the game (via MisterChip):
· There hadn't been 8 goals in a Madrid derby since 1950.
· Real Madrid hadn't scored 5 against Atlético since 1983.
· It was the third game in the history of the Spanish Super Cup with 8 goals: Barça 4-5 Zaragoza (1994) & Real Madrid 3-5 Sevilla (2007).
· Only Brahim's yellow for taking his shirt off stopped it from being the first Madrid derby with no yellow cards since 1974.
Carvajal the first to react after the win
The MVP of the game: "We're in the final. Yeeeesss Hala Madrid!"
Éder MIlitão gets in on the action
The Brazilian defender has made clear his approval of that fantastic game!
Simeone post-game:
It was a partidazo.
We were so close and have to learn about managing these situations.
I always take the positives and we have lots to value from the game.
The Copa del Rey game against Real Madrid isn't revenge, there's no revenge, just another game.
The guys did so well, there are things to improve, but I take the positives.
Ancelotti post-game:
Us coaches don't enjoy these games!
It was an open game, we managed the second half better.
Atleti played well, as did we. It was a spectacular game, and we won as we had more energy in the end. But they're a very strong opponent.
We tried to press high and it was tough for us to recover. They attacked well and scored two against us, because they're strong.
Ceballos, Brahim, Joselu and Arda all did well, they brought a lot to the game.
They're two great teams who gave everything in an important competition. We gave a huge effort.
I want the best team to win tomorrow.
When's the final?
I've got you the full Spanish Super Cup schedule right here, and remember that we've got another semi-final tomorrow at the same time as today's!
In case you missed it earlier, and I don't blame you, here's the reason behind the boos for Toni Kroos.
Carvajal takes the MVP award
He was fantastic from start to finish, and in the end, made the difference for his side.
Has Carvajal been Real Madrid's best player this season when fit?
Joselu post-game:
"It was my goal!"
Are we giving that to Joselu? I'm not sure...
FULL TIME!
BREATHE!
REAL MADRID ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL
Oblak leaves his goal and Brahim beats the goalkeeper in a race to the loose ball. He wins the race, makes contact and sends the ball rolling over the line from distance!
Camavinga goes to ground after getting a real whack in the lower abdomen.
Madrid defend, just about. 90 seconds to go.
Oblak is up...
2 added minutes. Atlético have a corner.
Atlético are pushing as Madrid drop back...
We're into the final minute!
The Frenchman took a swing from the edge of the box and Kepa was not saving that!
GRIEZMANN FIRES ONE INCH WIDE!!!!
Brahim opens to Carvajal on the right who plays in a cross towards the far post. Joselu makes contact and the ball takes a touch off Savic, who watches it bounce agonisingly over the head of Oblak and, for now, Madrid are in the final!
Pandemonium inside the ground!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
REAL MADRID TAKE THE LEAD
JOSELUUUUUUUUU
Five to go... the tension could be cut with a knife.
Kroos, who is still getting booed, plays to Güler, who is getting roundly cheered. I think those two should pass to each other fifty times straight and see how he crowd cope.
Wow, Rüdiger turns off the afterburners and glides past Griezmann to recover the ball for Real Madrid in his own half.
Güler has taken up a position on the right of Real Madrid's midfield.
Arda Güler ON
Valverde OFF
Arda Güler is warming up. Get your Turkish delight headlines going.
An absolutely spent Valverde, who can hardly walk, smashes into Javi Galán in the middle of the pitch.
The German's cross is sent towards Rüdiger but is cleared out for a corner, which Cholo's side defend comfortably.
The free-kick is slightly to the right of the centre and is about 35 yards out. Kroos is over the ball.
It's as you were: Real Madrid have the ball on the edge of Atleti's box and Kroos is brought down by Witsel.
I haven't mentioned the p-word yet, let's see what happens...
Second half of extra-time underway!
Fifteen minutes to go!
Joselu & Ceballos ON
Vini Jr & Rodrygo OFF
Azpilicueta ON
Marcos Llorente OFF
Changes are about to be made for both sides.
Half-time!
Second half coming up!
Real Madrid win a corner. Here comes Mr Evil again!
1 added minute.
We're into the final minute of the first half of extra-time.
Javi Galán ON
Koke OFF
Everyone except Morata is inside Atlético's box. Madrid continue to probe, looking for a way through.
Oblak eventually catches a ball sent over the top by Kroos.
Madrid have Atleti pinned back once again as they pass from left to right...
We're into minute100, which is always fun.
Hermoso judges the flight of Bellingham's cross perfectly well and clears out for a corner to be taken by Toni 'Mr Evil' Kroos.
Correa's skill on Rüdiger causes the stadium to turn into a vacuum as the air is sucked into 25,000 pairs of lungs - but the Real Madrid defender recovers well and avoids a disaster in front of goal.
A stellar challenge from Carvajal on Riquelme is stopped as Brahim recovers on the edge of the box.
Madrid's players are (rightly) furious as the winger was away, and the replay shows the tackle to be clean.
It's pure madness inside the Atleti box as Valverde's cross is cut out by Witsel, only for the defender to lose the ball instantly, causing a scramble just a few yards from goal.
Eventually Real Madrid skew the ball out of play and Los Rojiblancos survive.
Bellingham, on the edge of the box, tries to dink the ball over the head of Hermoso, who has Vini Jr running in behind.
The defender judges the ball well and crunches his forehead against it, halting the danger.
Rodrygo fouls Hermoso as the Brazilian is played in behind by Carvajal. A lightningstart, as we all expected.
Extra-time underway!
Here we go again! Real Madrid get us rolling.
Ángel Correa ON
Morata OFF
On-pitch team talks, one of my favourite things in football
Don't ask me why, they're great and that's that.
Anyway, what a sensational game we've seen play out in front of us. Both teams are going for it 100% and even if the level of intensity dropped slightly at times during the second half, the tension surely went through the roof!
FULL TIME!
Extra-time, here we come!
30 seconds to go...
We're into the final minute and Atleti can't get out of their own defensive third.
Carvajal's cross is poor and Atlético clear but Los Blancos come again and Simone's warriors are all inside their own box...
Witsel ON
De Paul OFF
WHAT A CHANCE FOR BRAHIM!
Brahim dances past one, two, three challenges on the right and sends a low drive past the far post!
KEPA SAVES!
Griezmann races down the right and fires a shot towards the far post that goalkeeper saves!
5 added minutes.
We've got you. Here's why Toni Kroos is being booed by the Saudi Arabian fans in the stands. Save it for full-time.
Atleti defend but Real Madrid have their opponents pinned back into their own six-yard box.
Real Madrid have a corner... Atleti on the ropes...
Rodrygo goes down in the box... NO PENALTY
Back underway in this crazy game!
Vinicius breaks away and sends a shot at Oblak, who pushes the ball to Bellingham. The Englishman takes two shots that are both blocked as Atleti scramble to keep it out...
Carvajal rushes in and finally - after what feels like one million shots on goal - smashes into the top corner!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL
CARVAJAL SCORES FOR REAL MADRID
Eek. Rodrigo Riquelme breaks football Rule no.1 and sends a suicidal ball across his own box, causing the Kroos boo-ers to gasp in unison.
Camavinga & Brahim ON
Mendy & Tchouaméni OFF
Ancelotti has called both Camavinga and Brahim.
We're back underway and nobody can quite believe it. I'm not sure if it's Kepa's or Rüdiger's OG, but I'll find out.
Riquelme's cross from the left is delicious and causes all sorts of problems.
Rüdiger and Kepa clash and the ball bounces off the two of them before crossing the line - Atleti are ahead!
The clock is ticking on and Atleti have just found a second wind from somewhere and have started to push Los Blancos back.
I criticised Gabri Veiga going to Saudi Arabia. I hope I don't get booed as badly as Kroos if I ever go there. The noise is sensational whenever the German - who by all accounts is a lovely man - gets the ball.
Carvajal's cross towards the far post is scrumptious and almost finds Vini Jr making a bursting run behind. Atlético defend well and see the ball out of play.
A half-chance for Morata, who goes close at the far post as Madrid's defenders leave the ball that whizzes past them from the right.
CHANCE FOR REAL MADRID
Oblak stops Carvajal as the right-back gets in behind the defence!
The boos and whistles for Kroos are tremendous. Every time the German gets the ball it's like a storm is on the horizon.
Twenty minutes to go and it's Real Madrid who are currently on top and have Atlético pinned back.
Kroos has instantly given Madrid a sense of control that they were desperately lacking... Rodrygo gets in behind after some nice possession but he can't control the ball over the top.
Toni Kroos is being heavily booed by the fans...
Back underway...
Kroos ON
Modric OFF
Nahuel & Riquelme ON
Lino & Saúl OFF
Vini Jr breaks down the left and skips past Giménez on the wing... but his cross is terrible and lands in the grasp of Oblak.
Carlo Ancelotti has called Toni Kroos over.
It's much more of a chess game, this half, in stark contrast to the first period. The first 45 was like a game of chess but with the players on trampolines. Now they're sitting on lovely benches, carefully thinking about what to do.
Vini Jr - you guessed it - goes down in the box under a 'challenge' from Savic. It was not a foul and I don't think the player himself expected a penalty for that.
I love Vini Jr, but he's wearing ice skates today.
Real Madrid win a corner after nice build-up on the right side between Modric, Bellingham, Carvajal and Rodrygo, whose cross is eventually cleared.
Nacho clears Saúl's cross towards Morata as Atleti - well, Griezmann - launch a surprise counter-attack down Madrid's right side, getting in behind Carvajal once again.
Valverde breaks and spies Vini's call for the early cross to the left side.
He sends the switch towards the Brazilian but it's overhit and Atleti get back as the winger chases down the loose ball.
BIG CHANCE FOR ATLÉTICO
Lino gets the ball down the left after being left alone by Carvajal. The wing-back sends a shot towards the far top corner that skims the outside of the post! What a huge opportunity for los rojiblancos.
Oblak's goal kick is skewed straight out of play and lands at the feet of... DiegoSimeone.
The manager swings a shoe at the ball and almost sends it angrily back to his goalkeeper.
If you ask me, he's lucky to not get booked.
Rüdiger clears Morata's cross from the right as Atlético push forward. The move ends on the left after Lino sees his cross blocked out for a throw near the corner flag.
Modric gets the ball on the edge of the box, more or less from where Griezmann scored, and lays off to Valverde. The Uruguayan shapes to shoot and plays down the right side to Carvajal, who sees his cross blocked.
Solid defending from Simeone's side.
We've had a quiet few minutes to the opening of the second half as both teams (understandably) look like they don't want to make any mistakes.
Madrid push and lose the ball on the edge of the box; Atlético push back and waste it too. A sloppy start to the second half as the substitutes warm up for both sides.
Second half underway!
No changes from either side...
The players are back on the pitch!
By the way, the music at the Al-Awaal Park has been a sensational 2000s mix. Not as good as Griezmann's goal, but not far off.
Will we see any changes?
Atlético Madrid's substitutes are all warming up on the pitch during the break.
Madrid have put Atleti under plenty of pressure
Ancelotti's side have had their fair share of chances and dangerous moments, but a moment of class from Grizi and a lapse in concentration saw them concede two goals.
What a strike from the French prince
Griezmann has been one of LaLiga's best players over the past year, if not the best. And with this goal, he might finally get some recognition for it.
Half-time thoughts:
I'm not betting on who's getting to the final today!
What a game between two sides who seem to know perfectly where to tickle the other. Like two old friends who haven't seen each other in a while, it doesn't take long before the same jokes crop up and give the same entertainment as always.
Both teams have traded blows for 45 minutes: Real Madrid started strongly and looked lethal with the two Brazilians causing havoc before Hermoso was gifted a header from a corner.
Los Blancos came back into it and a flick from Mendy was followed up by Rüdiger's header to give Ancelotti's side the lead. But Griezmann, with his 174th goal for Atlético, making him the all-time top scorer of the club, popped up with a sensational piece of skill on the edge of the box to draw level before half time.
If the second half is 1% as good as the first then we might have an all-time classic derbi madrileño on our hands!
Half time!
Everybody, breathe! What a game of football!
Can a Madrid derby be an unexpected partidazo?
We've got a stoppage as Rüdiger has accidentally stepped on Koke's foot.
Carvajal does well to get in front of Lino and clear De Paul's ambitious ball through the Madrid defence from the edge of the box. Atlético ending the half strongly.
Vinicius Jr goes down and does the classic 'hand to lip - is there any blood?' gesture. Nope, Vini, you're good.
4 added minutes.
Rüdiger's ball over the top finds Rodrygo perfectly!
The Brazilian, under challenges from two defenders, takes the ball down on his chest and feints with his right, sending another sliding.
The shot comes in from a few yards out and bobbles under Oblak... who manages to scramble back and get a palm on the ball before it crosses the line!
WHAT A HUGE CHANCE FOR REAL MADRID!!!!!
Real Madrid are looking to build up through the lines but Atlético's tough challenges are just about on the right side of the law and stop the charge from Los Blancos.
With that goal, Antoine Griezmann becomes Atlético Madrid's all-time top goal scorer.
What a sensational achievement.
We're back underway... again!
LaLiga's sweet French prince has done it again: he takes the ball on the edge of the box and drives left before cutting back behind his right leg and racing in the opposite direction.
He makes a yard of space and sends a poison dart low into the bottom left corner of Kepa's goal! Sublime from the forward.
Good gravy, we're already 35 minutes in! As things stand, Real Madrid look lethal, and their front three are threatening Atlético with their direct forward runs.
Vini Jr wastes a great chance to put Oblak under pressure: he gets the ball on the edge of the box from Rodrygo on the right and sends an awkward chip/cross/shot that curls well wide of the far post.
Odd from the winger, who seemed to be caught between two options in his head.
CHANCE FOR ATLÉTICO
Griezmann gets a head on a dangerous cross from the right that whizzes over the bar!
It feels like Atlético haven't had the ball in Madrid's half since September, when they beat them in LaLiga. The momentum is fully with Ancelotti's side here, who have fought fantastically well.
We're back underway and the stadium is rocking!
The ball is played out to Carvajal,who slides a low diagonal cross into the box, where it feels like 50 players are crammed between the penalty spot and Oblak on the line.
Ferland Mendy sticks a leg out, pushing the ball along with the outside of his boot, and sends it rolling into the far corner of the goal!
FERLAND MENDY
Real Madrid come close from a succession of corners: both teams are certainly seeing the importance of set-pieces in today's game.
Rodrygo twists and turns on the left side of the box and smashes a low drive to the near post that's well saved by Oblak!
CHANCE FOR REAL MADRID
Valverde smashes the ball way over the bar...
Bellingham goes down on the edge of the box and the referee says no; Rodrygo is brought down in a more central position a few seconds later and the referee says 'foul' to that one. Free-kick to Real Madrid.
Kepa easily saves Morata's header at the front post. The Spaniard had to put the power and direction on a difficult corner, so Kepa always had the advantage there.
Vini Jr races down the pitch but hits a dead end and loses out after eventually being surrounded by 5 red and white shirts.
Real Madrid are finding their mojo again in what is a whirlwind game!
We're back underway.
Bellingham's shot was deflected wide for a corner; Modric sent the ball in and Savic leaves Rüdiger alone to head past Oblak and draw level!
Simeone's side break down the right and the ball is fired across goal towards Morata, who can only send the ball into the side netting from a tight angle on the left as Carvajal slides in.
CHANCE FOR ATLÉTICO MADRID
Real Madrid are pushing: Rodrygo floats a ball from the right towards the far post that's calmly collected by Oblak.
Giménez clears as there's a slight mix-up at the back and Real Madrid shift their block up the pitch by 20 yards. The cross comes in from the left but Carvajal can't get on the end of it at the back post.
Real Madrid are keeping the ball about 50 yards from Atleti's goal, which los Rojiblancos will be delighted with.
Rodrygo burst down the right before pulling off a few step-overs and sliding the ball past Saúl. The Brazilian crashed into the former Chelsea loanee and went down but the contact wasn't enough for the official to give a penalty.
Rodrygo goes down in the box... another NO from the referee!!!
Bellingham asks for more from the fans as he goes to collect the ball for a throw-in...
Atleti are pushing the ball from side to side as Real Madrid chase. As I mentioned, Ancelotti is indeed an unhappy man and is currently very animated on the touchline.
Real Madrid had started very brightly but a huge lapse of concentration has cost them greatly. Carlo won't be a happy bunny rabbit about his side conceding that goal...
Vini Jr goes down in the Atlético box, it's Savic again... señor referee says no!
We're back underway. Real Madrid are in shock!
Wow, it's shocking from Real Madrid, who allow Mario Hermoso to get a head to the ball without jumping. His header from the far post goes across goal, bounces on the floor and crosses the line!
Atlético drive forward as Madrid scramble back. Lino sways from left to right and darts inside onto his right foot before sending a rocket to the far corner of the goal that Kepa gets a hand to!
WHAT A SAVE FROM KEPA!
It's a fast start from the side in white, they're finding spaces in behind Atleti's defence early on.
Rodrygo, Vini Jr and Bellingham are incredibly high up the pitch and going almost man for man against Simeone's back three.
It looked like Savic made contact with Vinicius, but he certainly swiped the ball as well. A fair shout from what I've seen.
Oooo, quite the penalty call for Real Madrid early on: Savic goes to ground as Vini breaks down the right side of the box. There's certainly contact but the referee says no, it's a corner.
Real Madrid lose the ball but launch into a ferociously high press on the red and white shirts, who tap, tap, tap their way out of it.
And we're off!
Real Madrid get us underway!
Before we begin:
We've got a moment of silence in memoryof Franz Beckenbauer, who died two days ago.
Here come the players!
The crowd are on their feet for the arrival of the two teams!
Tick, tock...
It's actually a presentation for Neom, an entire city built from scratch in north-western Saudi Arabia. Because they can do that.
In other, more exciting news, the players are in the tunnel!
But first, a light show.
Did Gianni Infantino give Rubiales the idea for a light show? I don't know, but we've got one anyway.
We're waiting on the players...
The referees are in the tunnel, tapping their watches as we all wait patiently for the 22 player to emerge from the dressing rooms.
Remember, you can watch the game on your screen!
Want to watch the game? Well, here's how you can do just that, by using FuboTV, who offer a free trial.
A final reminder of the starting XIs:
If you've just joined us, here's how the two sides are set to start!
REAL MADRID:
GK: Kepa
DEF: Carvajal - Rüdiger - Nacho - Mendy
MID: Tchouaméni - Modric - Camavinga - Bellingham
ATT: Rodrygo - Vini Jr
ATLÉTICO MADRID:
GK: Oblak
DEF: Llorente - Savic - Giménez - Hermoso - Lino
MID: Koke - Saúl - De Paul
ATT: Griezmann - Morata
Vini getting ready ahead of KO
Real Madrid's Brazilian ace has not, duetoinjuries, had quite the impact on the side that he would have liked to. No time like the present, I guess.
The Spanish Super Cup has a curious story, with the trophy undergoing various format changes across the years. The trophy itself, however, has remained the same for a long time.
For more information on the history of one of Spain's domestic honours, feast on Cal's Super Cup trophy lowdown. Plus some extra goodies.
Real Madrid's recent results:
· 6 January 2024: Arandina 2-3 Real Madrid - WIN
· 3 January 2024: Real Madrid 1-0 Mallorca - WIN
· 21 December 2023: Deportivo Alavés 0-1 Real Madrid - WIN
· 17 December 2023: Real Madrid 4-1 Villarreal - WIN
· 12 December 2023: Union Berlin 2-3 Real Madrid - WIN
Have your say!
We've got a Twitter poll up and running where you can not only tell us who you think will win but also give us your score prediction - if you're feeling brave!
Real Madrid are on the pitch!
Los Blancos have started their pre-game warmups and they'll continue for around 15 more minutes before heading down the tunnel!
A reminder of the starting XIs:
REAL MADRID:
GK: Kepa
DEF: Carvajal - Rüdiger - Nacho - Mendy
MID: Tchouaméni - Modric - Valverde - Bellingham
ATT: Rodrygo - Vini Jr
ATLÉTICO MADRID:
GK: Oblak
DEF: Llorente - Savic - Giménez - Hermoso - Lino
MID: Koke - Saúl - De Paul
ATT: Griezmann - Morata
Mateu Lahoz, former RFEF referee:
On hearing VAR audio in the Spanish Super Cup:
"VAR is a tool for football, and the audio is going to be transparent, which is very important.
It's a fantastic initiative for football, if there's nothing to hide, we should show it. This needs to be normalised."
Atlético Madrid last 5 games:
· 6 January 2024: Lugo 1-3 Atlético Madrid
· 3 January 2024: Girona 4-3 Atlético Madrid
· 23 December 2024: Girona 4-3 Atlético Madrid
· 19 December: Atlético Madrid 3-3 Getafe
· 16 December 2023: Athletic Club 2-0 Atlético Madrid
Ancelotti pre-game:
It's tough to say why Kroos and Lunin aren't playing, they're small details.
Making a starting XI is always tough. Kroos hasn't trained a lot in the last few days, and it's always about the small details.
If Kroos played, then you'd be asking why Modric didn't.
Tchouaméni and Camavinga are back, we have the energy so I chose those two players.
It will be a competitive game, we've learned from the experience of the previous game against them, especially in defence. We have to be solid, this could go to extra-time so we have to be clever and ready for anything.
Which team has won the most Super Cups?
Barcelona are the most successful team in the history of the Spanish Super Cup, winning it 14 times.
Real Madrid come second with 12 victories.
We’ve got to drop down in the tally chart quite a bit to get to the third place teams - AthleticClub and DeportivoLaCoruña - who’ve won it a total of 3 times.
Atleti have only won the Super Cup twice: once in 1985 and again in 2014, after that famous 2013-14 LaLiga win (the one with the Diego Godín header at Camp Nou).
Jorge Valdano pre-game:
"I'm so excited about hearing the VAR that I couldn't sleep last night."
Something tells me the former Real Madrid player is not a fan of the new addition to the refereeing technology.
The game's sold out tonight!
All 25,000 seats will be occupied for the derbi madrileño, which shows just how popular these two teams are in the Middle East, although I think it's safe to say that Carlo Ancelotti's side will have the majority of the crowd for the game.
Real Madrid arrive at the stadium!
We've got just under an hour to go before kick-off, and Los Blancos are in the house!
INJURY NEWS:
AtléticoMadrid have announced that Memphishas not made the cut due to an injury.
Atleti XI revealed!
Oblak is in between the sticks with Lino, Hermoso, Giménez, Savic and Llorente ahead of him.
Koke, De Paul and Saúl make up the midfield three, with Morata and Grizi leading the line.
Carlo Ancelotti pre-game press conference:
On the Super Cup:
The Super Cup is an important competition and we want to do everything we can to win it. The team is in good shape.
We have the desire and motivation, we're recovering players and I think we can put on a good performance, considering that Atlético hurt us in the first game we played.
We have to take that into account because they're a team that competes, fights and has quality. It'll be a competitive and evenly matched game.
Playing Atleti 3 times in a month:
The fixture list is what it is, we've been drawn against Atlético and we're going to play them again.
It's not that I like encountering Atlético because they're one of the best teams and it's always tough. We have to play. But it's the same mindset that Atlético will have. We're both very strong teams. I think Real Madrid and Atlético fans are going to enjoy these matches.
On Simeone:
We respect each other. We've spoken many times, we know each other because we've played against each other many times. He scored a goal against me with Lazio when I was playing for Juve and they won the title.
We're neighbours and sometimes we see each other, but we always have a lot of respect.
The last game the two sides played:
The last game we played did us a lot of damage. It looks like we fixed the damage and we can produce a better performance than we did in the first game of the season against Atlético Madrid.
How much are the teams getting for the Spanish Super Cup?
Surely moving the tournament to the Middle East brings with it a lucrative sum of money for those involved?
You'd be right: Saudi Arabia are paying the RFEF €40 million ($43.8 million) for hosting the tournament. Here's a full breakdown of the fees and prize money involved.
Both Real Madrid and Barça are expected to take home €6 million ($6.57 million) each, with Atlético picking up €3 million ($3.29 million) and Osasuna around €800,000 ($876,000).
VAR to be used differently in Super Cup
The President of the Refereeing Committee, Medina Cantalejo, explains how VAR audio will be heard in Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The Atleti dressing room is ready!
Los Rojiblancos are in their typical red and white stripes for tonight's game. Presumably, Real Madrid will be in their all-white kit for the tie.
FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP
Why is the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia?
It was the Luis Rubiales-led Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) who decided to move the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia in 2019. I’ll leave that there.
The decision to move the games to the Middle East was met with plenty of concern from people on all points of the Spanish football spectrum, but it must be said that the shift in tournament format has indeed been a positive thing.
Much like the new format of the Copa del Rey, playing a final four instead of the typical two-legged pre-season affair we were used to has instilled a slight sense of competition to the trophy - something that was certain lacking during the pre-season days.
Xavi even called the Super Cup “a spectacular tournament”, but let’s not go that far just yet.
Remember, dear reader, that you can watch today's action live if you're in the US. Here's all the information about how to get the game on your TV or streaming device.
And right on cue!
Here's Real Madrid's team:
Kepastarts for Los Blancos behind a back four of Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho and Mendy.
Valverde, Tchouaméni, Modric and Bellingham are in midfield with Rodrygo and Vini Jr up front.
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Before we get Carlo Ancelotti's ludicrously early team news, here's the prediction of how, given the squad, we think Los Blancos will line upagainst their cross-city rivals in Saudi Arabia.
JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS
Who's the ref?
Javier Alberola Rojas is the lucky man with the whistle today and shock horror, Real Madrid aren’t happy about it.
Señor Alberola Rojas is, unfortunately, the referee who took charge of Real Madrid’s only loss of the season, which came against, ahem, Atlético Madrid (3-1).
Maybe Real Madrid are just superstitious and that’s why they aren’t happy. Maybe it’s not about the fact that they aired an entire TV programme on the man, highlighting what they called errors from the derbi madrileño earlier in the season.
Here's how things look ahead of kick-off!
No, it’s not the Nuevo Mirandilla in Cádiz.
Riyadh’s Al-Awaal Park is the venue for all three games in the Spanish Super Cup this year.
The 25,000seater venue, also known as the King Saud University Stadium, opened in 2015 and is the home of Saudi club side Al-Nassr, who you may know as being Cristiano Ronaldo’s current team.
Team news: Atlético Madrid
Simeone does not have many absences in his squad for the game: Lemar is out for Atleti as he is overcoming an achilles injury and Reinildo is away at AFCON with Mozambique.
Apart from that, there’s nothing much to report with the rojiblancos, and the even better news comes in the shape of Pablo Barrios, the youngster who has broken through this season: he’s back training with the squad after suffering a meniscus injury.
Team news: Real Madrid
Green lights are appearing at the Real Madrid recovery room as the club digs their head into their chest and ploughs through the barrage of winter fixtures. Dani Carvajal is back and set to start, as is Ferland Mendy, who is back after 3 games.
Lucas Vázquez also failed to make the squad for the game.
Alaba is still out, as is Militão and Courtois, but the pair are indeed makinggoodprogress as the season goes on.
Hello, hello and welcome to the AS USAlivecoverage of the Spanish Super Cup.
We’re up and running with the feed that will guide you through the pre-match goings-on to the aftermath and everything in between.
We’ve got a cracker of a tie to begin with this year: Real Madrid take on Atlético Madrid in a derbi madrileño!
Kick-off is around 90 minutes away.
It’s Joe here today to take you through the action as it unfolds.