Real Madrid Face Tough Atlético Test in Supercopa de España Semi-Final

Thirteen-time Supercopa de España champions Real Madrid face a stern test in their bid to reach yet another final as they lock horns with city rivals Atlético Madrid, a side that has recently enjoyed the upper hand in head-to-head encounters between the two Spanish giants.

Match News and Current Form

Atlético Madrid head into the semi-final in pursuit of their first major silverware since lifting the La Liga title in the 2020/21 season. However, recent history in this competition offers mixed memories for Diego Simeone’s men, who have suffered semi-final exits in their last two Supercopa appearances.

The Rojiblancos are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions (W4, D1), though a 1-1 draw against a struggling Real Sociedad at the weekend slightly disrupted their momentum. Simeone will be eager for a strong response against familiar opposition, having faced Real Madrid more than any other team in his managerial career 48 times in total (W13, D15, L20). Notably, one of those victories came during Atlético’s last Supercopa triumph in 2014.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, arrive in high spirits following a four-match competitive winning streak that has eased pressure on manager Xabi Alonso. A commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis at the weekend provided the perfect warm-up for this encounter.

With Los Blancos trailing Barcelona by four points in the La Liga title race, the Supercopa takes on added significance. Real have also enjoyed considerable success in the tournament’s Saudi Arabia era, reaching the final in all five previous editions staged there (W3, L2). Their only semi-final elimination since the competition’s expansion came back in 2021.

Head-to-Head History

Atlético Madrid boast an impressive recent record against their rivals. They were emphatic 5-2 winners in the most recent meeting between the sides in September and have lost just two of the last ten head-to-head clashes (W4, D4).

Interestingly, Real Madrid have never beaten Atlético within 90 minutes in a Supercopa encounter, drawing three times and losing once, underlining the fine margins that often define this derby on the big stage.

ALSO READ: Barcelona Open Supercopa Defence Against Athletic Bilbao in Saudi Arabia Showdown

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Atlético have scored four goals inside the opening 20 minutes across their last four matches.
• Atlético have recorded exactly ten shots in three of their last four fixtures.
• Real Madrid have scored first in six of their last eight Supercopa matches.
• Real have netted three or more goals in five of their last seven victories.

Key Players to Watch and Team News

Atlético captain Koke remains central to Simeone’s plans and is no stranger to this rivalry. The midfielder has faced Real Madrid 43 times in his career, contributing directly to ten goals (two goals, eight assists) and collecting 19 yellow cards along the way.

For Real Madrid, Gonzalo García is one to watch after opening his account for the season with a hat-trick against Real Betis. Remarkably, four of his five senior goals have come as the opening goal of a match.

On the injury front, Atlético could be without Clément Lenglet, who remains a doubt, while Real Madrid are hopeful of welcoming Kylian Mbappé back from injury in time for this crucial semi-final.

Betting Insight

Given the tight nature of recent knockout clashes between these two sides, this contest could once again be decided beyond regulation time. A draw within 90 minutes, with Real Madrid progressing eventually, appears to offer value.

As the Supercopa de España spotlight shines on Saudi Arabia, all eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can overcome their recent derby struggles or if Atlético Madrid can take another step towards ending their silverware drought.

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