Valverde Stunner, Courtois Heroics: Real Madrid Edge Atlético in Fiery Super Cup Derby

Real Madrid defeated city rivals Atlético Madrid 2-1 in a tense Spanish Super Cup semifinal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, booking a high-profile final against Barcelona and extending their recent supremacy in knockout derbies.

Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde put Real Madrid ahead early with a powerful free kick that pierced Atlético’s defensive wall, leaving goalkeeper Jan Oblak with little chance as the ball flew into the net.[4][6]

After sustained pressure from Atlético, Brazilian forward Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead in the second half, finishing off a swift attack to make it 2-0 and briefly put Madrid in control of the tie.[3][4][6]

Atlético’s response came through Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, who reduced the deficit and set up a nervy finish as Diego Simeone’s side pushed hard for an equaliser.[3][4]

Despite the scoreline, multiple reports highlighted that Atlético were arguably the better side over long stretches, creating several clear chances only to be denied repeatedly by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.[1][4][7] Courtois produced a string of key saves in both halves, frustrating efforts from Antoine Griezmann, Sørloth and substitute Julián Álvarez as Atlético chased the game.[1][2][4]

The result sends Real Madrid into Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, where they will face traditional rivals Barcelona in another edition of El Clásico on neutral ground.[2][4][6][7]

Real Madrid played the semifinal without top scorer Kylian Mbappé, who remained in Spain due to a knee problem.[2][4][5] After the match, coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Mbappé has been training, feels improved and is flying to Saudi Arabia, giving him a realistic chance of featuring in the final if he passes fitness checks.[4]

The victory came at a fitness cost for Real Madrid’s defence. Centre-back Antonio Rüdiger was forced off in the second half with a knee issue, and Alonso described it as “improbable” that the German international will be ready in time for the final.[4] Defender Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo also finished the game with muscle concerns and are considered doubts, although neither has been definitively ruled out.[4]

Beyond the football, the derby sparked headlines due to a heated altercation between Atlético coach Diego Simeone and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior on the touchline.[3][5] Cameras captured the pair clashing verbally after an Atlético penalty appeal, and later both received yellow cards as tempers flared when Vinícius was substituted.[3]

Post-match, Simeone declined to reveal details of the exchange, telling reporters he “couldn’t remember” what was said, while Alonso criticised the episode, insisting that “not anything goes” on the touchline.[3][5] The flashpoint continued online when Vinícius appeared to taunt Simeone on social media, commenting “you’ve lost another knockout tie” on an Instagram post featuring video of the incident.[3]

The game also highlighted Vinícius’s ongoing difficulties in front of goal. The Brazilian is currently on a long scoring drought across all competitions, and reports in Spain indicate that negotiations over an improved contract have stalled, even though his existing deal runs until 2027.[3]

For Atlético, the narrow defeat will be especially frustrating given the volume of chances created. Commentators noted that missed opportunities from Sørloth and others, along with Courtois’s outstanding form, ultimately proved decisive in a match where Simeone’s side often had the better territorial control and attacking momentum.[1][2][7]

From an Indian fan’s perspective, the result sets up a highly anticipated Super Cup final between two of the most followed clubs in the country, with added intrigue around Mbappé’s possible return, Rüdiger’s injury concerns and the fallout from the Simeone–Vinícius confrontation. With Real Madrid aiming for another trophy and Barcelona looking to spoil their momentum, the Spanish Super Cup now promises a Clásico with both high stakes and high drama.[3][4][6]