Valverde’s Thunderbolt and Rodrygo Strike Secure Victory in Tense Madrid Derby
Real Madrid booked a place in the Spanish Super Cup final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over city rivals Atlético Madrid in Jeddah on Thursday, setting up a blockbuster El Clásico showdown with Barcelona on Sunday.
The match burst into life inside two minutes when Federico Valverde unleashed a spectacular 35-yard free-kick that flew into the top corner, giving Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak no chance. “We wanted to start strong and make a statement,” said Real manager Xabi Alonso.
Atlético responded with relentless pressure, creating a series of chances, but were repeatedly denied by the inspired Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian made a stunning reflex save to keep out Alexander Sørloth’s close-range header, only for the Norwegian to miss the rebound from six yards.
Rodrygo doubled Real’s lead early in the second half with a composed finish, but Atlético hit back almost instantly through Sørloth, who powered home a header to set up a nervy finale.
Despite late chances for Antoine Griezmann and Sørloth, Diego Simeone’s side couldn’t find an equalizer, suffering their third consecutive Super Cup semi-final exit.
“We gave everything, but sometimes the ball doesn’t want to go in,” Simeone said after the match. “We had the opportunities.”
Real now turn their attention to avenging last season’s 5-2 final defeat to Barcelona, with the stage set for another chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries. “It’s the final everyone wanted,” said Alonso. “We’re ready.”
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