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In the thrilling Madrid derby, Real Madrid fought back from a goal down to lead 2-1 with goals from Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy. However, Atletico Madrid leveled the score with an Antoine Griezmann equalizer and a Rudiger own goal.
In the 85th minute, Dani Carvajal equalized, and substitutes Joselu and Brahim Diaz secured a goal each in extra time, marking Real Madrid's first-ever Spanish Super Cup victory over their local rivals.
Real Madrid aims to win the trophy for the first time in five seasons and the 13th time in their history, bringing them within one Super Cup of record holders Barcelona. Despite falling short in the previous year's final, Real Madrid enters the upcoming contest with confidence, having avoided defeat in their last 20 competitive matches since September.
Barcelona, having won the Super Cup last season, has the opportunity to secure consecutive victories after a 2-0 win over Osasuna in the semi-final. Robert Lewandowski and substitute Lamine Yamal scored to seal Barcelona's third consecutive victory in all competitions.
The late goal by Yamal proved crucial, marking their first win by a two-goal margin or more since September's Champions League clash with Royal Antwerp.
Sitting in third place, seven points behind Real Madrid in La Liga, Barcelona seeks additional motivation to claim the silverware on Sunday. Eager to defeat their rivals and win consecutive Spanish Super Cups for the first time since 2010 and 2011, Barcelona also aims to become the first reigning league champions to lift the trophy since 2018.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Real Madrid is still without key players Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, who are in various stages of recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Additionally, right-back Lucas Vazquez will miss his third consecutive match due to a hamstring injury suffered before Real Madrid's recent Copa del Rey victory over Aranadina.There's a potential goalkeeper change on the horizon, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, who faced scrutiny for his role in Rudiger's own goal in the semi-final, possibly being replaced by Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Despite concerns, Federico Valverde is expected to be fit for the midfield role, having been forced off in the first half of extra time against Atleti due to a knock.
As for Barcelona, Yamal is anticipated to replace the injured Raphinha on the right flank after the Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Osasuna. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marcos Alonso are still recovering from back surgery, while Inigo Martinez and Gavi will miss the final due to muscle and knee injuries, respectively.
Joao Cancelo, absent since sustaining a knee problem earlier in the month, is unlikely to make a return in time for Sunday's final.
On a positive note, Pedri is in contention to start after recovering from injury, having featured as a substitute in the semi-final. In addition, forward Joao Felix, who provided an assist off the bench in Barcelona's semi-final, may join the starting XI for the final.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gundogan; Yamal, Felix, Lewandowski
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona
We believe they will manage to secure a narrow victory against Barcelona in Riyadh, with the outcome likely to be determined by fine margins.
