The stage is set for another El Clásico showdown as Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in the 2025 Supercopa de España final at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Both teams enter the contest with momentum from their semi-final victories and will be eager to claim the season’s first domestic silverware.
Match Details
- Location: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 19:00 BST / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
- VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva
Recent Form
Real Madrid
- 3-0 vs Mallorca (Supercopa semi-final)
- 5-0 vs Deportivo Minera (Copa del Rey)
- 2-1 vs Valencia (La Liga)
- 4-2 vs Sevilla (La Liga)
- 3-0 vs Pachuca (Friendly)
Barcelona
- 2-0 vs Athletic Club (Supercopa semi-final)
- 4-0 vs Barbastro (Copa del Rey)
- 1-2 vs Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
- 0-1 vs Leganes (La Liga)
- 3-2 vs Borussia Dortmund (Champions League)
Team News
Real Madrid
Manager Carlo Ancelotti may consider some rotation after a demanding semi-final. However, with silverware on the line, key players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé are expected to start.
- Unavailable: Luka Modrić (illness), Aurelien Tchouameni (head injury, doubtful)
- Possible changes: Arda Güler, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Díaz could feature if Ancelotti opts for fresh legs.
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Courtois; Vázquez, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Mbappé.
Barcelona
Hans-Dieter Flick has a healthier squad to choose from compared to recent weeks. Ronald Araújo is available but may not disrupt the in-form center-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Iñigo Martínez. Gavi impressed in an advanced role against Athletic Club and is likely to reprise that position.
- Unavailable: Marc-André ter Stegen (long-term injury), Dani Olmo (registration issues)
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Pena; Koundé, Cubarsi, Martínez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
- Real Madrid: 4 wins
- Barcelona: 1 win
- Last Meeting: Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid (October 26, 2024, La Liga)
Key Talking Points
- Madrid’s Revenge Mission: Real Madrid will be motivated to avenge their 4-0 thrashing by Barcelona in October, which ended their 42-game unbeaten La Liga streak.
- Battle of Form: Madrid have won their last five games, scoring an average of 3.4 goals per match, while Barcelona’s performances have been more inconsistent.
- Midfield Showdown: Jude Bellingham’s form (nine goals in two months) will be pivotal against Barcelona’s talented midfield, led by Pedri and Gavi.
- Defensive Solidity: Both teams kept clean sheets in their semi-finals, but Real Madrid’s defensive injuries could be a concern against Lewandowski and Raphinha.
Score Prediction
This final promises to be fiercely contested, with both teams capable of producing moments of brilliance. Real Madrid’s recent form and their knack for delivering on big occasions give them a slight edge.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
