- Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024
- Location: KSU Stadium, Riyadh
- Teams: Real Madrid vs Atlético de Madrid
The semifinals of the Spanish Supercopa sees a Madrid derby as Real Madrid take on Atlético de Madrid. The last meeting between the two sides saw a 3-1 win for Atleti in La Liga.
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Super Cup sees the first of three Madrid derbies over the next month
Having been drawn together in the next round of the Copa del Rey, this Super Cup clash represents the first of three Madrid derbies that will take place over the next month.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid go into the match as title favourites. Los Blancos are neck and neck in the race for La Liga with surprise package Girona. The first part of the season has been defined by the stellar performances of Jude Bellingham, who is not only the league’s top scorer but also has a huge influence on Madrid’s play with and without the ball. Their last encounter in the Spanish Supercopa saw Madrid defeat their City rivals on penalties.
Lucas Vazquez has been left out of the Super Cup squad after he missed the Copa del Rey win over Arandina with a muscle injury. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and David Alaba, who are all working on their rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Ferland Mendy is in contention to return after injury. Toni Kroos is fit to play after overcoming an ankle problem. Vinicius Junior and Aurelien Tchouameni, who were rested at the weekend, return to the squad.
Atlético de Madrid
Atlético de Madrid will be encouraged bt theur 3-1 win in the last meeting between the sides. Simeone’s team is known for its defensive strength and ability to surprise on counterattacks, a strategy they have used against Madrid in the past.
Thomas Lemar is out with an Achilles injury, while Reinildo Mandava is currently with the Mozambique squad preparing for the AFCON. Pablo Barrios has been included in the squad as he returns to fitness, however, Wednesday may come too soon for him. Mario Hermoso, Samuel Lino, Koke, Marcos Llorente and Rodrigo De Paul are all expected to return after dropping to the bench for Saturday’s Copa del Rey win over Lugo.
Prediction
Considering the recent history and the current form of both teams, this match promises to be an intense tactical battle with opportunities for both sides. The possibility of both teams scoring is high, given Real Madrid’s offensive capacity and Atlético’s ability to exploit spaces on counterattacks. It will be an exciting and possibly closely contested match.
Our forecast: An exciting and high-paced match, with a high probability that both teams will score. Real Madrid to win.
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