Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé will seek redemption against Barcelona this Sunday in the final of the Spanish Super Cup, following a humiliating 4-0 defeat in their first encounter of the season. The match, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, offers Madrid a chance to avenge their earlier loss and gain momentum as they head into the second half of the season. While the minor trophy may not hold the same weight as other titles, it provides a financial boost for both clubs and an opportunity to assess their current form.
Since their October setback at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid has rebounded with a series of positive results. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of learning from their previous encounter with Barcelona. “We’ll have to think about the first clasico of the season when they beat us,” Ancelotti remarked. He noted that the team must replicate their strengths while avoiding past mistakes, highlighting the added pressure of a final. In their last clash, Robert Lewandowski’s two goals, along with contributions from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, showcased Barcelona’s attacking prowess, which left Mbappé struggling against their high defensive line.
Barcelona, under the guidance of new coach Hansi Flick, started the season strongly but has faced challenges recently, losing ground in La Liga after unexpected defeats to lower-ranked teams. After a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Super Cup semifinals, Flick sees the rematch with Madrid as a vital test of his team’s form ahead of the Champions League resumption. “It’s a big game for everyone,” Flick stated, emphasizing the significance of winning the Super Cup to boost team morale. With players like Lewandowski, who has netted 25 goals this season, and the return of midfielder Dani Olmo, Barcelona is poised to face a Madrid side dealing with defensive injuries. However, Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is in remarkable form, adding to the intrigue of this highly anticipated clasico. The final will take place at King Abdullah Sports City stadium, where tensions have already surfaced among fans, underscoring the high stakes of this storied rivalry.
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