Real Madrid Edge Atletico as Valverde Stunner Sets Up Super Cup Clasico Final

Real Madrid Edge Atletico as Valverde Stunner Sets Up Super Cup Clasico Final

A spectacular early free-kick by Federico Valverde powered Real Madrid to a hard-fought victory over Atletico Madrid, securing a place in the Spanish Super Cup final against arch-rivals Barcelona.

The semi-final clash, played on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was just 77 seconds old when Real captain Valverde unleashed a thunderous 30-yard free-kick that flew past goalkeeper Jan Oblak into the top corner, stunning Atletico and setting the tone for the contest.

Real doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half through Rodrygo, who showed brilliant composure with a deft finish after controlling a pinpoint pass from Valverde and bursting past defender Robin Le Normand.

Atletico responded when Alexander Sorloth rose highest at the back post to head home and reduce the deficit, but despite dominating possession and registering 22 attempts on goal, Diego Simeone’s side could not find an equaliser.

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Sorloth missed a golden opportunity before half-time, heading wide from an inch-perfect Conor Gallagher cross, while Julian Alvarez squandered a late chance in stoppage time as Atletico pressed desperately for a leveller.

Despite playing without injured star Kylian Mbappe, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid held firm in the closing stages, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo both missing chances to extend the lead.

The victory sends 13-time Super Cup winners Real Madrid into Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT), where they will face Barcelona in the season’s second El Clasico, following their 2-1 La Liga win at the Santiago Bernabeu in October.

Barcelona booked their place in the final by dismantling Athletic Club 5-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final. The Spanish Super Cup is being staged in Jeddah after Saudi Arabia and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) extended their hosting agreement until 2029.

Real Madrid Edge Atletico as Valverde Stunner Sets Up Super Cup Clasico Final