Real Madrid edges Atletico 2-1 to reach Clasico final
Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, securing a Clasico final against Barcelona on Sunday. Federico Valverde opened the scoring with a free kick just 76 seconds in the fastest goal in Spanish Super Cup history before Rodrygo added a second in the 55th minute. Alexander Sorloth pulled one back for Atletico three minutes later, but Real held firm for their fifth straight win under coach Xabi Alonso.
The match soured with a heated clash between Atletico coach Diego Simeone and Real forward Vinicius Junior. Sources report Simeone told the Brazilian international, "Florentino will fire you," referencing Real president Florentino Perez. Alonso condemned Simeone's conduct post-match: "What he said sets a poor fair-play example. You must respect opponents, and on-field actions have limits."
Valverde's 30-meter free-kick thunderbolt shattered Mario Mandzukic's 81-second record from 2014, ending the Uruguayan's seven-month goal drought. Deployed at right-back due to injuries, he also assisted Rodrygo's strike.
Atletico controlled possession and chances, outshooting Real 22-8 and winning expected goals 2.26 to 1.14. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves, denying Sorloth and Alex Baena repeatedly to protect the lead. "It was a superb goal," Courtois said of Valverde's opener. "No one expected a shot like that."
Real Madrid faces Barcelona in Sunday's final at King Abdullah Sports City. This marks the fourth straight year the rivals meet in the Super Cup decider. Barcelona thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in Wednesday's semifinal.
Kylian Mbappe, sidelined by a left knee sprain, heads to Jeddah Friday and could feature in the final. Antonio Rudiger's status remains unclear after a 69th-minute knee issue forced his substitution.
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