After comfortably qualifying for the Copa Del Rey Round of 16, Real Madrid now have a chance to win their first title of the season in the Spanish Super Cup, coming up against Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Match details
Date: Wednesday, 10th January 2024
Competition: Spanish Super Cup
Matchday: Semi-final
Time: 21:00 CEST
Venue: Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh
Match preview
A heavily rotated side earned the Merengues a 1-3 victory against Arandina, with debutant Arda Güler and Castilla players being impressive. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid also went past Lugo with ease in a 1-3 win.
Following the victory, Real Madrid found out the next day, that they will be facing their city rivals exactly a week later in the Round of 16 of the Copa Del Rey. Before locking horns again next week, both the rivals would be eager to make a mark and win their first trophy of the season.
In La Liga, Los Blancos currently sits at the top, while Los Rojiblancos occupies the 5th spot. The only meeting between the two sides this season ended with Diego Simeone’s team outclassing Carlo Ancelotti’s side in a 3-1 victory at the Wanda Metropolitano. That defeat remains Real’s only loss this season so far.
This time, the Colchoneros have not been as defensively solid as they are known to be, conceding 30 goals and scoring 59 in all competitions. This is in comparison to the Merengues, who have conceded 18 goals and scored the same number as their city rivals.
Speaking about their previous meeting, Ancelotti in the buildup to this semi-final said: “We lost the last game vs Atletico. They hurt us a lot. We will be better tomorrow. We have fixed many things.”
The Italian manager also did not give any hints as to who will be the starting goalkeeper and has left everyone guessing with his statement: “Kepa or Lunin? One of them will play tomorrow. I don’t want to say who now,” he said.
As far as the defense line is concerned, Nacho is set to return with Rüdiger as the center-back. Fran García has not been quite convincing, hence Ferland Mendy or even Eduardo Camavinga may take his place. Dani Carvajal is expected to be the right-back for this all-important fixture.
Real Madrid are spoilt for choices in the midfield. Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde have been pivotal this season and, hence will keep their place. However, it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti starts Camavinga or Luka Modrić to complete the midfield trio.
Jude Bellingham has been instrumental to the team’s success this season. He has not been on the scoresheet in the last two fixtures and would be eager to score against their city rivals in a semi-final.
The Brazilian duo of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will start up front. Both of them are familiar with and know how to break Atletico’s defence open and, despite his return from injury, Vinícius will remain a threat to Simeone’s men.
The tickets for this fixture have been sold out and it is expected to be an end-to-end game. The winner will then either come up against FC Barcelona or Osasuna in the final on Sunday.