Real Madrid have qualified for their third Spanish Super Cup final in a row and will bid to win the tournament for the third time since it moved to Saudi Arabia when they face Barcelona in Riyadh on Sunday. In 2020, Los Blancos defeated Atlético Madrid in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, while they beat Athletic Club 2-0 to lift the trophy in 2022.
No new injury concerns for Madrid pre-Barça
A thrilling 5-3 Madrid derby victory booked their spot in the 2024 final, in which they will be out for redemption after losing to Barça at the same stage last year. Carlo Ancelotti has no new fitness concerns to contend with, which means he has a full squad to choose from, with the exception of long-term injury victims Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militão and David Alaba, as well as Lucas Vázquez, who have all stayed at home.
Courtois and Militão are coming towards the end of their respective recoveries from ACL tears, with the Brazilian defender likely to be back in action before the Belgian goalkeeper.
Carvajal fit, but who starts in goal?
Dani Carvajal looks to have fully recovered after suffering from fatigue towards the end of the win over Atleti, in which he was named MVP. As a result, manager Carlo Ancelotti should be able to pick his first-choice defence for this particular tournament of Carvajal, Antoino Rüdiger, Nacho and Ferland Mendy.
There is once again a question mark over who will start in goal, Kepa or Andriy Lunin. The Spaniard conceded three goals on Wednesday and was at least partly at fault for Atleti’s third, which culminated in Rüdiger nudging the ball over his own line. The Ukrainian, meanwhile, has impressed whenever he has been given a chance by Ancelotti.
Camavinga or Tchouaméni in midfield?
The other spot up for grabs looks to be in midfield. With Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham taking up the “wide” roles on the right and left respectively, and Toni Kroos a certain starter in the middle, the only other doubt is whether Ancelotti prefers Eduardo Camavinga’s directness and physicality or Aurélien Tchouaméni’s solidity alongside the German.
Should Carvajal ultimately not be risked, which seems unlikely, both Frenchmen could play, with Nacho moving out to right-back and Tchouaméni partnering Rüdiger in central defence, as happened in LaLiga games against Osasuna (4-0) and Mallorca (1-0).
Vinícius and Rodrygo lead the line once again
Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are again expected to start in attack and will look to cause Barça problems with their speed and dribbling.
Luka Modric, Joselu and Brahim Díaz are likely to be those first called from the bench, with the Spanish duo having both found the net against Atlético. First-teamers Fran García, Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler will be joined as substitutes by academy players Nico Paz, Mario Martín and Vinicius Tobias.
