In the 234th edition of the Madrid derby, and the second one held in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid secured their spot in the Spanish Super Cup final with an exciting 5-3 extra-time triumph against arch-rivals Atlético Madrid in Riyadh.
In this follow-up game in Saudi Arabia, Atlético got off to a fantastic start within the first seven minutes. Mario Hermoso, rising above others in the box, skillfully directed Antoine Griezmann’s delivery into the bottom corner for an early lead. Despite this setback, Carlo Ancelotti’s team aimed to find their footing, and after Álvaro Morata missed a great opportunity to extend Atlético’s lead, Real Madrid equalized in the 20th minute. The goal mirrored Atlético’s opener, with Antonio Rüdiger meeting Luka Modrić’s well-placed corner and delivering a powerful header past Jan Oblak.
With the momentum on their side,sought a quick second goal, and they succeeded at the half-hour mark. Dani Carvajal’s precise pass into the box was expertly flicked into the far corner by Ferland Mendy. The match maintained a fast pace as halftime approached, and despite Real appearing more threatening in the final third, Atlético ensured they went into the break level. Griezmann cut inside Modrić on the ed
ge of the box, unleashing a clinical strike past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Griezmann’s goal elevated him to the top of
Atlético’s all-time scoring charts. In the early stages of the second half, Atlético came close to taking the lead, but Samuel Lino’s left-footed effort narrowly missed the target. Real, grateful for the reprieve, tried to increase their pressure with the final 25 minutes approaching. However, Oblak stood firm in the Atleti goal, denying Carvajal’s attempt from inside the box.
With the teams still level, both sides pressed for a late winner. Atlético seemed to have found it when Kepa unexpectedly punched Rodrigo Riqueleme’s
cross into the net off Rüdiger’s head. Yet, Real quickly equalized with five minutes left, as Carvajal scored following a last-ditch defensive effort from Atlético, forcing the game into extra time.
In the early stages of the additional 30 minutes, Real had the upper hand, but clear-cut chances were scarce. However, with only four minutes remaining, there was a final twist. Joselu’s close-range header deflected off Stefan Savić, giving Real a late lead. Atlético pushed everyone forward, including Oblak, in search of a last-minute response, but Real Madrid secured the victory as Brahim Diaz calmly tucked the ball into an empty net from long range. This win sets up a clash with either Barcelona or Osasuna in Sunday’s final. As for Atlético, Simeone’s team will be eager for immediate revenge when they face each other in the Copa del Rey next week.