The Real Madrid will aim to secure their first title of 2025 in Saudi Arabia. To hope for a place in the Spanish Super Cup final against either Athletic Bilbao or Barça, Carlo Ancelotti and his team will face Mallorca on Thursday. Looking ahead to the final, who would be the ideal opponent for Los Merengues?
After winning the Intercontinental Cup for Clubs last December in Qatar, Real Madrid will aim for another title in just a few weeks. Currently leading La Liga after a thrilling postponed match against Valencia at Mestalla, the Madrid team followed up with a convincing victory over Minera in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 before flying to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. To reach the final, Carlo Ancelotti and his squad must eliminate Mallorca in the semi-final next Thursday.
As strong favourites for the clash at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé are not expected to falter. Beyond this semi-final against Mallorca, who held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw in La Liga on 18 August, attention is already turning to the final. Indeed, if they overcome Mallorca, who will undoubtedly aim to cause an upset, Los Blancos will face either Athletic Bilbao or Barça, who play the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Who is the best opponent for Real in the final?
Both Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona handed Real Madrid defeats in the first leg of La Liga this season. Barça, who humiliated Real 4-0 in the Clasico at the Bernabéu, will have a tough battle against the Basques, who also edged Real 2-1. Clearly, this is the most anticipated semi-final matchup. For Real to lift the trophy, they must beat one of these two formidable sides on Wednesday. At present, should Los Blancos have a preference for a specific opponent in the final? The answer seems to be no!
Despite defeats to Bilbao and Barça earlier in the season, Real Madrid are now much stronger and can compete with any team without fear. Whether it’s the Catalans, who appear far from their best after a disastrous end to 2024, or Nico Williams’ Bilbao, who won their first encounter this season at San Mamés due to a significant error by Federico Valverde, the Madrid team will be ready to take on either side.
For now, a new Clasico final would be the most exciting scenario, adding extra drama to the encounter. Last year, Real demolished Barcelona 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final. They will also seek to avenge the painful Clasico defeat on 26 October in La Liga. With David Alaba back in the squad, Carlo Ancelotti’s team looks even stronger.
In conclusion, neither potential opponent poses a greater threat to Real Madrid in this year’s Spanish Super Cup. First, however, the team must focus on Thursday’s semi-final against Mallorca to secure their place in the final.
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