Real Madrid will attempt to win their first title of 2025 in Saudi Arabia. To reach the Spanish Super Cup final against either Athletic Bilbao or Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti's team will face Mallorca on Thursday. Which opponent would be ideal for Los Merengues in the final?
After winning the Intercontinental Cup in Qatar last December, Real Madrid is seeking another title within weeks. Currently leading La Liga after their electrifying match against Valencia at Mestalla, the Madrid team secured a convincing win against Minera in the Copa del Rey round of 16 before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.
To reach the final, Ancelotti's team must eliminate Mallorca in the semifinals on Thursday. As heavy favorites, they shouldn't have issues advancing.
Looking beyond the semifinals, we consider the ideal opponent for Real Madrid in the final. If they defeat Mallorca, they'll face either Athletic Bilbao or Barcelona, who meet in the other semifinal match on Wednesday.
Which opponent is preferred for Real Madrid in the final? The answer should be neither! Despite losing to both Bilbao (2-1) and Barcelona (4-0) in the first half of the La Liga season, Real Madrid is now stronger and can compete with either team fearlessly.
Whether it's Barcelona, who ended 2024 poorly, or Bilbao, who won the first match of the season at San Mamès thanks to a Federico Valverde mistake, Real Madrid is ready for the challenge.
Currently, the trend suggests a new El Clásico in the final, adding a unique flavor to the encounter. Last year, Real Madrid crushed Barcelona 4-1 in the Super Cup final. They'll need to avenge their 4-0 loss in the league Clásico on October 26.
With David Alaba returning to the team, Ancelotti's squad is stronger. In summary, neither Bilbao nor Barcelona would be considered the worse opponent for Real Madrid in this Spanish Super Cup edition.
The focus now shifts to Thursday's semifinal match against Mallorca, where Real Madrid will aim to secure their spot in the final.