An epic ‘El Clasico’ rivalry awaits in the Spanish Super Cup 2024 final as two Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, gear up to face each other in a fierce encounter in Saudi Arabia tonight. It will be the first time these two sides match up in the new year.
Real Madrid secured a thrilling victory over Atletico Madrid in the first semi-final of the four-team tournament. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal’s double led FC Barcelona to triumph in the second semi-final, setting the stage for a classic finale. Here’s all you need to know about the game: time, venue, and team news.
Spanish Super Cup K.O time, venue
The Spanish Super Cup final promises to be an illuminating clash as Barcelona and Real Madrid are poised to battle it out for the trophy at stake. This will be the second successive tournament final between the Blaugrana and Los Blancos to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The El Clásico venue is at Al-Awwal Park, the home stadium of the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr, in Riyadh, on Sunday, January 14, 2024. The match will kick off at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN 2. Additionally, it will be available for online streaming on ESPN+ and Fubo.
In the 40th edition of the Spanish Super Cup, these two La Liga giants have met in the final on eight occasions. Real Madrid emerged victorious in six of those matchups, while Barcelona clinched victory in two finals. Both teams are now set on extending their tally and adding to their title count.
On their way to the final, Ancelotti’s team had victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid with a 5-3 scoreline in extra time, breaking the deadlock that persisted until the end of the 90-minute play, whereas the Xavi-led side saw off the competitive Osasuna with a 2-0 win, earning their place in the final.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona team news
Coming into the fixture, Real Madrid boasts a phenomenal season in La Liga, having already defeated the Catalans in the league in October. They sit on top of the league points table with only one defeat across all competitions. On the other hand, the reigning champions stand fourth amidst a turbulent campaign.
Team News
Both teams have faced injuries in their squads, sidelining key players for the Spanish Super Cup. It is likely to persist, with doubts surrounding Raphinha, who recently suffered an injury, and star midfielder Pedri returning from a hamstring injury for a second consecutive start. In the Madrid camp, Valverde, currently nursing an injury, and Carvajal, who missed the training season, are expected to regain fitness.
Possible lineups
Real Madrid probable lineup (4-4-2): Kepa, Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy, Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo.
Barcelona probable lineup (4-3-3): Peña, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Gundogan, Roberto, De Jong, Lamine, Torres, Lewandowski.
Who is going to win the first El Clasico of 2024? Drop your predictions in the comments section.