Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid prepare for an intense Spanish Super Cup semi-final duel on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Each team aims to advance to Sunday’s final against Barcelona in a potential matchup brimming with excitement.
Xabi Alonso’s squad demolished Real Betis 5-1 on Sunday, stretching their winning streak to four across competitions.
This result lifted heat off the coach after a shaky November-December spell that let Barcelona pull ahead. Real Madrid sit second in La Liga with 45 points, trailing leaders by four after narrowing the deficit.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid travel without star striker Kylian Mbappe, out with a left knee sprain from early December. Officials opted for a cautious “zero risk” protocol, prioritising complete healing over rushing him back for the event.
Eder Militao’s tendon problem keeps him out until late January, and Brahim Diaz stays unavailable due to Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations commitments.
Yet academy star Gonzalo Garcia has emerged as a bright spot. The 21-year-old dazzled versus Real Betis on Sunday, claiming a “perfect” hat-trick in a dominant 5-1 rout. He etched his name in history as the youngest to achieve such a feat in 21st-century La Liga at 21 years and 286 days.
Real Madrid predicted lineup
Possible Real Madrid starting XI:Â Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Garcia.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7pm BST on Thursday, 8th January.
How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid?
Fans from the United Kingdom can watch the Spanish Supercup semi-final live on TNT Sports or discovery+.
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