Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head-to-head in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Both sides will be searching for a place in Sunday’s final, where they could face either Barcelona in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 7th January.
- Kick-off: 7pm BST.
- Venue: Alinma Bank Stadium, Jeddah.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico Madrid remain without Clement Lenglet and Nicolas Gonzalez, who continue their recoveries from injury. Midfielder Pablo Barrios suffered calf bruising during the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad at the weekend and is a doubt for the semi-final. Despite these absences, Diego Simeone has named an 18-man traveling squad to Saudi Arabia with optimism of repeating their stunning 5-2 victory over Real Madrid from September.
Alexander Sorloth will lead Atletico’s attacking line after scoring in the recent draw with Real Sociedad. The striker has netted five La Liga goals this season and will be crucial in breaking down Real Madrid’s defence.
Alongside him will be Julian Alvarez. Atletico’s standout performer has 11 goals and 6 assists across all competitions this season and will look to add to his tally after a recent goal drought. Simeone recently expressed confidence that Alvarez will “shine at a crucial moment.”
Jan Oblak remains a formidable presence in goal, providing shot-stopping prowess when Atletico need defensive solidity. The creative hub will rotate through captain Koke, Conor Gallagher, and Alex Baena in midfield, with Marcos Llorente providing defensive steel and width from the flanks.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid head to Saudi Arabia without their striker Kylian Mbappe, sidelined by a knee sprain suffered in early December. The club has adopted a “zero risk” approach with the French forward.
Injuries to Eder Militao (expected to be sidelined till late January with a tendon injury) and ongoing unavailability of Brahim Diaz through Africa Cup of Nations duty (Morocco) compound Madrid’s concerns.
However, a significant boost came with the emergence of academy product Gonzalo Garcia as a viable attacking option. The 21-year-old delivered a stunning performance against Real Betis on Sunday, scoring a “perfect” hat-trick with his right foot, left foot, and header in Madrid’s emphatic 5-1 victory. Garcia became the youngest player to net a perfect La Liga hat-trick in the 21st century at 21 years and 286 days old.
Form
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid won four consecutive matches across all competitions before the frustrating 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on Sunday, which left them 11 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona in fourth place with 38 points.
Alexander Sorloth headed the visitors ahead early in the second half at the Reale Arena, but Goncalo Guedes leveled five minutes later to spoil Simeone’s side’s bid for victory.
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s side secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis on Sunday, extending their run to 4 consecutive wins across all competitions.
The triumph significantly eased mounting pressure on the Real Madrid manager, whose position had been questioned following a poor run in November and early December that saw the club fall behind Barcelona. Madrid remain in second place with 45 points, just 4 points behind Barcelona after cutting the league-leading gap.
Predicted lineups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Gallagher, Koke, Baena; Sorloth, Alvarez
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Garcia
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid?
UK fans can watch the match on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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