The semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup ended in a dramatic 3-2 win for Real Madrid against Barcelona in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 98th minute extra-time goal from Federico Valverde sealed the deal for the Los Blancos, taking them to the finals of the Super Cup for the 18th time. Real Madrid won their 100th match against archrivals Barcelona.
The build-up to the game
Barcelona vs Real Madrid is always a high-octane, intense match up. The last time the two teams met was in October 2021 in a La Liga fixture; Madrid was victorious then. Barcelona’s last win against Madrid dates back to March 2019. In the 6 matches played after that, Real Madrid have drawn one and won five.
Ferran Torres makes his debut for Barcelona
Ansu Fati and Pedri’s medical clearance from injury was a delight to Xavi, Barcelona’s coach, and the coaching staff, as they could play with a full-strength squad. But both the teenage prodigies were on the bench to avoid further aggravation of injuries. Ferran Torres made his debut for the Catalans after moving from Manchester City.
Real Madrid did not have significant absentees for the match except for Gareth Bale and Mariano Diaz, who have not been regulars under Carlo Ancelotti.
Even-stevens at Full Time
The game saw its first goal in the 25th minute when Benzema’s pass found Vinicius Jr, who blasted it past Ter Stegen. Luuk de Jong equalized in the 42nd minute when Madrid centre back Militao’s clearance of a low cross rebounded off de Jong and found the back of the net.
Benzema restored the Galacticos’ lead in the 72nd minute with a tap in after Ter Stegen’s save put the ball into the Frenchman’s feet. Ansu Fati was subbed on in the 66th minute and scored a crucial header from Jordi Alba’s cross in the 83rd minute, equalizing the score once again and taking the knockout fixture into extra time.
Valverde scored the Winning Goal
But the substitute that made the headlines was Madrid’s Fede Valverde, who scored the winner and celebrated it Messi way by removing his jersey and showing his name to the fans.
Madrid Eyeing for their 12th Spanish Super Cup
The Los Blancos have set their eyes on the cup and will be aiming to lift the trophy on Sunday. If they manage to be victorious this year, it’ll take their Super Cup tally to 12 – just one less of Barca’s 13.
Real Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao in the final as the latter defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the second semifinals on Thursday. The final is set to take place on 16th January in King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh.
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