The Saudi footballing bigwigs could not have dreamt of a better scenario than this. For the 4th year running, the Gulf State will host a Clasico in the Suppercoppa final.
We all know why the Spanish Suppercoppa was moved to Saudi a few years back: cash money dollar. It’s just another blatant example of Saudi sportswashing. Many have been critical of this recently revamped event, saying that the decision to move a national cup to a foreign land creates a complete disconnect with the fans (and I completely agree). However, Barca’s 5-2 win over Real last year provided amazing theatre, elevating the standing of this offshore venture. From an organizational perspective, another Clasico final is just what the doctor ordered.
Barca the team in the ascendancy
Reigning Spanish champs Barcelona will go into this match as clear favourites after a resounding 5-0 humiliation of Athletic Bilbao. Barca blew the Basque outfit out the water in a first-half blitz, with every single member of their attacking unit contributing. Flick gave Barca talisman Lamine Yamal a rest, instead opting for Roony Bardghji down that right-hand side. He was a revelation, linking uo brilliantly with Fermin and Raphinha. Flick has numerous options at his disposal, with the likes of Lewandowski and Olmo quietly waiting in the wings. Barca lead Real by four points in La Liga and should go into this with more confidence.
Real grind out win in age-old grudge match with Atletico
Another Madrid derby, another gritty, razor-thin victory for Real Madrid (Simeone must be sick of the sight of them). Xabi Alonso talked a good game ahead of the semifinal clash in Jeddah, stating that Atletico were about to see the best of Real (fighting talk from an under-siege manager). And they got off to the ideal start, as acting captain Fede Valverde smashed in a monstrous free-kick in the 2nd minute. Simeone’s side dusted themselves off and quietly dominated the rest of the half, forcing the criminally underrated Thibault Courtois into some brilliant saves. But a resurgent Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead against the run of play, latching onto a Valverde pass before calmly slotting the ball home early in the 2nd stanza. Atletico responded in typically resolute fashion, with Sorloth heading home to make up for earlier spurned opportunities. Atletico pressed but couldn’t quite come up with the equalizer, sending Real into their 4th successive Suppercoppa final against Barca.
October’s Clasico a distant memory
It’s crazy to think that it’s been almost three months since the season’s first Clasico. Xabi Alonso enjoyed a fairytale start to El Clasico, beating an injury-ravaged Barca 2-1 in what felt like his coming of age as Real manager. Things have changed since then. Barcelona’s insane early-season injury crisis has largely abated (obviously Gavi is an unfortunate long-term issue). But they now have numerous options off the bench, giving Flick enormous latitude to affect the game with his changes.
Los Blancos defensive uncertainty
Real have had to wrestle their own injury demons in recent months. Virtually every member of their defensive lineup has suffered with injuries of varying degrees. Antonio Rudiger returned to action in the semifinal but is still nursing his hamstring. The patchwork nature of their defensive lineup has caused a lack of cohesion that Flick’s swashbuckling side will look to expose.
Mbappe absence looms large
Excuse me for burying the lead, but the absence of Kylian Mbappe is obviously a mammoth factor in this game. The Frenchman has been in fabulous goalscoring form this season and his pure, unadulterated pace would have posed a huge threat to Barca’s occasionally comedic high line. Still, Real will have enough pace in the side to hurt Barca if they venture out too greedily, with Vini Jr and an in-form Rodrygo eager to prove that Real has life sans Mbappe.
Contrasting midfield approaches
The midfield battle is going to be key. Barca’s gegenpressing approach revolves around high-intensity pressing and incisive, vertical attacks. Their midfield acts as a ball-retention machine, slyly maneuvering the ball in tight areas. Real are probably more measured in their overall approach, looking to balance dynamic pressing with defensive cohesion. As such, they tend to require pure athleticism in their midfield, utilizing the likes of Tchuoameni and Camavinga to shore up the heart of the pitch. Will Barca’s silkier midfield win the day? Or will Real’s physicality disrupt this well-oiled Barca machine?
Alonso’s future in the balance?
This match may go beyond a little bit of silverware. It feels as if Alonso’s job may be in the balance. The Madridistas are about as easy to please as Meryl Streep in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. As such, they have been less than enthused with Alonso’s more measured, balanced approach. A heavy defeat to their eternal rivals could be the final straw for some. Whatever happens, this promises to be a riveting Clasico.
