Real Madrid beats Atletico 2-1 to set up clasico final at the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia

By Canadian Press on January 8, 2026.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Real Madrid got goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Thursday, setting up a clasico final at the Spanish Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia.

Valverde put Madrid ahead just two minutes into the match in Jeddah when the Uruguay midfielder scored directly from a free kick.

Rodrygo doubled the lead with the goal that turned out to be the winner in the 55th, before Alexander Sorloth pulled Atletico close three minutes later.

Madrid was playing without the injured Kylian Mbappé, sidelined with a left knee sprain for a second straight game.

Xabi Alonso’s team will face Barcelona in the final of four four-team tournament on Sunday.

Barcelona routed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 on Wednesday in the other semifinal.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press