The Spanish Super Cup final is set for a thrilling encounter, with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona locking horns for the third consecutive year. Real Madrid, already boasting the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, aim to add a third title to their 2023-24 season collection by securing their 14th Spanish Super Cup victory. This final represents a chance for redemption for Real Madrid, having experienced both victory and defeat against their rivals in recent Super Cup clashes. Last year, they triumphed with a resounding 4-1 victory, fueled by a Vinícius Júnior hat-trick, avenging a 3-1 loss to Barcelona the previous year. The stage is set for another high-stakes battle between these two Spanish giants.
The highly anticipated final will unfold at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, January 12th. The local time for the kick-off is 10:00 PM AST, which translates to 3:00 PM Eastern Time. The stadium is expected to be filled with a vibrant mix of fans, predominantly local supporters from Jeddah, augmented by a contingent of several hundred fans traveling from Spain to cheer on their respective teams. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with passionate fans from both sides creating a cauldron of noise and excitement.
Jesús Gil Manzano has been appointed as the referee for this crucial clash, marking his fourth time officiating a Clásico. Interestingly, Real Madrid has emerged victorious in all three previous matches refereed by Manzano, all of which took place in La Liga. This historical precedent adds another layer of intrigue to the encounter. While statistics don’t predetermine outcomes, it’s a notable detail in the pre-match narrative.
Real Madrid enters the final with a clean bill of health, allaying earlier injury concerns. Despite Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouameni experiencing minor issues during the semi-final, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, downplayed the severity of the situations, expressing confidence in their availability for the final. Luka Modrić, the team captain, is also expected to be fit after recovering from a virus that sidelined him from the semi-final. The return of these key players significantly bolsters Real Madrid’s squad depth and tactical options.
Carlo Ancelotti is anticipated to field a lineup similar to the one that secured victory against Mallorca in the semi-final. This consistent approach suggests a focus on maintaining team cohesion and momentum. The expected starting XI includes Thibaut Courtois in goal, protected by a backline of Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouameni, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy. The midfield trio is likely to comprise Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, and Jude Bellingham, providing a blend of defensive solidity and creative flair. The formidable attacking trident of Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo Goes will spearhead the Real Madrid attack, aiming to exploit Barcelona’s defense with their pace, skill, and clinical finishing.
While the starting XI is projected to remain largely unchanged, the bench is expected to be strengthened by the return of Luka Modrić. His experience and leadership qualities provide a valuable asset for Ancelotti to deploy if needed. Other midfield options available on the bench include Dani Ceballos, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler, offering further tactical flexibility and depth. This array of talent on the bench underscores Real Madrid’s strength in depth, giving them the ability to adapt to different game situations and maintain a high level of performance throughout the match.
