Real Madrid have set up a mouth-watering El Clásico showdown against FC Barcelona after edging past Atlético Madrid 2–1 in a dramatic Madrid derby semi-final of the Supercopa de España.

The match exploded into life almost immediately. On the very first minute, Jude Bellingham won a free-kick for Real Madrid, and Federico Valverde produced a thunderous long-range strike that flew under the crossbar. Despite the distance, Jan Oblak could not keep it out — a rare early blemish for the Atlético goalkeeper.

To his credit, Oblak responded with a series of crucial saves that kept Atlético Madrid in the contest. The Rojiblancos soon took the initiative, forcing Thibaut Courtois — recently named Real Madrid’s Player of the Month for December — into the spotlight. The Belgian shot-stopper delivered a masterclass, denying efforts from multiple ranges to preserve his side’s slender lead heading into half-time.

The second half began at a relentless pace. Rodrygo doubled Real Madrid’s advantage with a brilliant solo run, slipping past two defenders before calmly finishing beyond Oblak. However, the response from Atlético was immediate. Just three minutes later, Alexander Sørloth powered home a header from a precise Giuliano Simeone cross to make it 2–1 and reignite the contest.

The closing stages followed a familiar script. Xab Alonso’s side dropped deeper, relying on swift counter-attacks, while Atlético Madrid dominated possession and searched patiently for an equaliser. Chances came at both ends. On 82 minutes, Antoine Griezmann attempted a spectacular overhead kick, only for Courtois to once again come to Real’s rescue.

Deep into stoppage time, four Real Madrid players broke forward on a promising counter-attack, but Gonzalo García — the hero of the previous match against Real Betis — failed to deliver the decisive pass, allowing Atlético to escape.

The final whistle confirmed a 2–1 victory for Real Madrid, sealing revenge for their earlier La Liga defeat and setting the stage for a blockbuster Supercopa de España final. On January 11, football fans around the world will once again be treated to the sport’s greatest rivalry: Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona. El Clásico — with silverware on the line.

2025-26, Spain - Super Cup

Atletico Madrid - Real 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Valverde F., 2 (0:1); Rodrygo, 55 (0:2); Sørloth, 58 (1:2)

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Hancko; Ruggeri (Molina N., 80); Pubill; Gallagher C. (Le Normand, 46); Koke (Cardoso Joao, 60); Álex Baena (Griezmann, 60); Llorente M.; Sørloth (Almada, 74); Álvarez Jul.; Simeone G-o
Substitution: Le Normand (from 46); Cardoso Joao (from 60); Griezmann (from 60); Almada (from 74); Molina N. (from 80)
Bench: Musso; Díaz J.; Gimenez Jose; Raspadori

Real: Courtois; Asencio R. (Mendy Fe., 69); Carreras Al.; Rudiger (García Fr., 69); Tchouaméni; Camavinga (Dani Ceballos, 87); García G.; Bellingham; Valverde F.; Vinícius Júnior (Güler A., 80); Rodrygo (Mastantuono, 87)
Substitution: García Fr. (from 69); Mendy Fe. (from 69); Güler A. (from 80); Dani Ceballos (from 87); Mastantuono (from 87)
Bench: Lunin Andriy; Jimenez D.; Alaba; Carvajal; Huijsen; Pitarch
Yellow Cards: Vinícius Júnior 81