Barcelona dominated possession early, while Real Madrid looked dangerous on the counter with Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. Fans at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium witnessed an unforgettable El Clásico.

The second half continued the high intensity, with both sides making key substitutions to influence the game. Vinícius Jr caused problems for the Barcelona defense, while Raphinha and Lewandowski kept testing Courtois. Yellow cards and heated confrontations added drama, but the game remained finely balanced.

In the final minutes, Barcelona held firm despite being reduced to ten men after Frenkie de Jong’s red card. Joan García made crucial saves to deny Real Madrid and preserve the lead. Raphinha completed his double with a late goal, sealing the victory. The Spanish Super Cup trophy goes to Barcelona in a classic encounter remembered for goals, skill, and drama.

Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappe will start on the bench today. After missing the semifinal win over Atletico, he resumed team training on Friday and also trained normally on Saturday with the rest of the Real Madrid squad, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, Real Madrid won’t rush including Mbappe in the starting lineup against Barcelona, saving their star striker in case he’s needed in the second half.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso waited until the final training session before the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona to evaluate whether Mbappe can start. Alonso explained that the club is taking a controlled risk approach and emphasized that they are not reckless when making decisions.

“Mbappe is much better,” Alonso said during his press conference. “Before the Super Cup started, the idea was not to accelerate his return. If we reached the final, depending on how he felt, we would evaluate his situation. After Saturday’s training, we will have all the information to decide whether he can start or play fewer minutes.”

Real Madrid starting XI

With the final confirmation that Kylian Mbappe will start on the bench, these are the eleven players confirmed by Xabi Alonso to face Barcelona: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr., Gonzalo.

What happened to Mbappe?

Mbappe had been dealing with a sprain in his left knee, which forced him to play with discomfort during the final matches of 2025. On December 31, the club officially confirmed the injury, and the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain forward, along with Real Madrid’s medical staff, decided to stop in order to recover his best form. He missed the LaLiga victory over Real Betis and the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atletico Madrid.

Which injured players do Real Madrid have?

Mbappe’s trip to Saudi Arabia was received as positive news within the Real Madrid camp, but concerns remain over several players following the match against Atletico Madrid.

Raul Asencio, Rodrygo Goes, and Antonio Rudiger left that game with physical issues, with Asencio and Rodrygo progressing well and expected to be available for the final, while Rudiger remains doubtful due to knee problems. A key match to follow regardless, with many options to watch this Barcelona vs Real Madrid final in the USA!

Real Madrid come into the final after edging Atlético Madrid in a tightly contested semifinal, while Barcelona arrive with momentum after a dominant 5–0 win over Athletic Bilbao. In LaLiga, the Blaugrana currently sit at the top of the table with a four-point advantage.

Real Madrid reach this clash after defeating Atlético Madrid 2–1 in the semifinal derby. In domestic league play, they remain in second place behind their historic rivals.

The most recent meeting between these teams took place on October 26, 2025, on Matchday 10 of the 2025–26 LaLiga season at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid claimed a 2–1 victory with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, while Fermín López scored for Barcelona.

What happens if Real Madrid defeat Barcelona?

If Real Madrid defeat Barcelona, they will be crowned champions of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup and take home a significant prize money. With that victory, Real Madrid would secure their 14th title in the competition, narrowing the gap with their longtime rivals. The triumph would also mark Xabi Alonso’s first official trophy as Real Madrid’s head coach since taking over in June 2025, ending a streak of recent final losses against Barcelona.

What happens if Real Madrid and Barcelona tie?

If the match ends level after regulation time, current RFEF regulations state that no extra time will be played. To prevent excessive physical strain, the final would be decided directly by a penalty shootout to determine the champion. If you are in the USA, you’ll be able to watch this Barcelona vs Real Madrid final through several broadcasting options.

What happens if Real Madrid lose to Barcelona?

A defeat would see Barcelona lift the trophy, successfully defending the title they won in 2025 after a 5–2 victory over Real Madrid. In that scenario, Barcelona would extend their historical dominance in the competition by reaching 16 Spanish Super Cup titles, moving three trophies ahead of Madrid. Therefore, Real Madrid’s lineup against Barcelona today will show a star-studded team.

The tournament’s move to the Middle East has reshaped its atmosphere, blending European tradition with global spectacle. Stadium capacity, ticket demand and international travel all play a role in defining the event’s reach, also increasing the prize money for the Spanish Super Cup winner.

As kickoff approaches and both Real Madrid and Barcelona field their strongest lineups, attendance figures are becoming a key part of the conversation. The numbers not only reflect fan interest, but also underline why Saudi Arabia remains central to the Super Cup’s future.

Spanish Super Cup 2026: How big will the crowd be for the final?

Around 60,000 spectators are expected at the Spanish Super Cup 2026 final. While the RFEF has yet to release an official attendance number, all signs point to a near-capacity crowd for Barcelona vs Real Madrid, consistent with recent Super Cup finals held in Saudi Arabia.

The match is set to be played at Alinma Stadium (King Abdullah Sports City), a venue built for major international events and capable of hosting just over 62,000 fans. In previous editions of the tournament, finals have regularly pushed attendance toward that limit.

This year’s tournament has followed a similar pattern. The semifinals already drew crowds well above 50,000, reinforcing expectations that the final — the competition’s main attraction — will draw an even larger turnout.

Ticket demand in Saudi Arabia has remained strong, particularly for high-profile European clashes, and organizers have relied heavily on the local and regional fan base rather than traveling supporters from Spain.

That dynamic has become a defining feature of the Spanish Super Cup’s Saudi era. While only a limited number of fans make the trip from Europe, the atmosphere is sustained by a growing local interest in elite soccer and the global appeal of El Clasico. For those not attending the game live, there will still be several options to watch the broadcast of the Barcelona vs Real Madrid final, especially in the USA.

Trophies still matter, but so does what comes with them. In an era where revenue streams define planning and ambition, the Super Cup has evolved into more than a preseason prize, quietly reflecting the business side of elite competition.

As the final approaches, attention drifts past tactics and lineups. The outcome carries implications that stretch beyond celebration, tying sporting success to economic reward without revealing the full figures just yet. Therefore, Barcelona and Real Madrid are showing up with strong lineups.

What is the prize money for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup?

The winner of the 2026 Spanish Super Cup is expected to earn around €2 million in prize money, on top of participation fees, according to reports from AS and figures tied to the RFEF’s Saudi Arabia agreement. The runner-up would receive roughly €1.4 million, with semifinalists also taking home payouts.

Those numbers come from a broader prize pool estimated at €21 million, distributed among the four teams involved. While the Super Cup is still played over just a few matches, its financial weight now rivals longer domestic competitions, reflecting its commercial growth. The expected attendance for the Barcelona vs Real Madrid final also explains the financial prize this event is able to provide.

Behind the scenes, the tournament generates far more through sponsorships and broadcasting. Much of that revenue flows back to the RFEF, but clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid benefit from both sporting success and their market value, making the final as much about economics as silverware. Make sure to watch this exciting Spanish Super Cup final in the USA!

How the Spanish Super Cup 2026 prize money is distributed

The RFEF has raised the total amount allocated to participating clubs for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup to €21.3 million, up from nearly €19 million the previous year, according to AS. A large portion of that figure is guaranteed before a ball is even kicked.

Simply qualifying for the tournament now earns each of the four teams a share of €16.3 million, an increase compared to last season’s base distribution. While the exact split varies depending on historical success and international pedigree, Real Madrid and Barcelona are once again positioned to receive the largest portions of that guaranteed sum.

On top of that base payment, €5 million is tied directly to match results. The teams finishing third and fourth will each collect €800,000, making the overall structure more balanced than in previous editions—though the biggest rewards still favor the finalists.

[Watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid online in the US on Fubo]

The Spanish Super Cup final brings another marquee edition of El Clásico, with Barcelona and Real Madrid meeting for silverware in a star-studded showdown where a win, tie or loss will have big implications. Barcelona enter in top form after a dominant 5–0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals.

On the other side will be the powerful Real Madrid, who earned their spot with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Atletico Madrid, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash between Spain’s fiercest rivals. Follow Barcelona vs Real Madrid in our liveblog!

When will the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match be played?

Barcelona and Real Madrid are fielding their best lineups this Sunday, January 11, for the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final. Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM (ET). Apart from the trophy, the winner of the Spanish Super Cup takes home an interesting prize money.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid in the USA

Catch all the action from the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Orange, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Since the introduction of the new format by the Royal Spanish Football Federation in 2020, this marks the fourth consecutive year that Barcelona and Real Madrid have met in the final, with each side currently holding two titles under this format.

Barcelona enter the match in peak form. Currently leading LaLiga with 49 points, they crushed Athletic Club 5-0 in the semifinals. Furthermore, they welcome back Lamine Yamal to the starting team after he was rested in the previous match, playing only some minutes from the bench.

Real Madrid face a more challenging outlook. Xabi Alonso’s men sit second in LaLiga with 45 points and secured their spot in the final with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid Derby. However, they may once again be without Kylian Mbappe for this decisive clash.

Barcelona confirmed lineup

For the final, Hansi Flick is expected to use the same squad that dismantled Athletic Club, with only one change to the starting XI. Despite the high level shown by the youngster Roony Bardghji, the Swede will be replaced by Lamine Yamal, who is fully recovered physically. The prize money at stake in the Spanish Super Cup final also explains why Barcelona aim to beat Real Madrid today.

This will be the Barcelona lineup to face Real Madrid: Joan Garcia; Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup

Xabi Alonso is facing a few selection headaches for this match. Although it has been confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will travel with the squad, Mbappe is not starting today against Barcelona. The Spanish manager made some changes from the starting XI that defeated Atletico Madrid.

This would be the lineup to face Barcelona: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Jr.

The final will be played on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET (11:00 AM PT) at Alinma Bank Stadium inside King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid secured their semifinal victory through a stunning free-kick goal from Federico Valverde and a finish from Rodrygo, while Atletico Madrid pulled one back through Alexander Sorloth but were unable to complete the comeback.

Barcelona arrived at the final in emphatic form, led by a commanding performance that overwhelmed Athletic Bilbao from the opening minutes. With both teams in strong form and star players such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Robert Lewandowski, and Pedri expected to feature, the Spanish Super Cup final promises a high-intensity clash between two of soccer’s most decorated clubs.

Barcelona crushed Athletic Club 5-0 with goals from Ferran Torres, Fermin Lopez, Rooney Bardghji and a brace from Raphinha. The match was effectively decided by the 52nd minute, as Barcelona controlled possession and tempo, leaving little room for a response. Athletic Bilbao attempted adjustments through substitutions in search of a comeback, but the gap was already too wide to close.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid, when was the last time they met in a final?

The most recent final contested between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place on April 26, 2025, in the Copa del Rey. That dramatic encounter was played at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, where Barcelona claimed a 3-2 victory after extra time. The decisive moment came in the 116th minute, when Jules Kounde scored the winning goal to secure the trophy in a thrilling Clasico.

The last time they met in the Spanish Super Cup

The last Spanish Super Cup final between Barcelona and Real Madrid was played on January 12, 2025, at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh. On that occasion, Barcelona earned a commanding 5-2 victory, lifting their first trophy of the season under head coach Hansi Flick. The result marked one of the most emphatic wins in recent Super Cup finals between the two clubs.

Barcelona’s attack was led by the creativity of Lamine Yamal and the finishing of Robert Lewandowski, who consistently broke through Madrid’s defensive lines. Real Madrid, despite efforts from Kylian Mbappe to narrow the scoreline, struggled to cope with Barcelona’s high press and rapid transitions throughout the match.

Now, with the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final scheduled for Sunday, January 11, Real Madrid under head coach Xabi Alonso enter the matchup seeking revenge for that 5-2 defeat. The final represents a crucial opportunity for the Madrid side to reclaim the Super Cup crown and reassert itself against its historic rivals.

Mbappe is sidelined due to a knee sprain, leaving a notable gap in Real Madrid’s lineups against Atletico for the Spanish Super Cup 2026 semifinals. Hence, Real Madrid will need to find alternatives to score and create goalscoring opportunites.

Mbappe hasn’t played since December 20th, 2025. He is by far the most productive player on the team. He averages 1.41 goal involvements per 90 minutes. Madrid has had an up-and-down season but Mbappe has been the one constant in terms of just creating game-winning opportunities.

Who will replace Mbappe?

Without the French superstar, Madrid’s manager, Xabi Alonso, will have to improvise. The one who should take his place is academy product Gonzalo Garcia. The Spanish striker is 21 years old. Garcia has only played 425 minutes all season, but he is only behind Mbappe in goal involvements per 90 minutes played. He scores or assists 0.85 goals per game. Hence, he is almost synonymous with danger.

Atletico Madrid have a fierce defense and have a top-tier goalkeeper in Jan Oblak. However, Gonzalo has proven time and time again he is a natural goalscorer. Remember, a few months back he was the top scorer in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Madrid wants to erase a bitter feeling

Last year, Real Madrid went to the final of the Spanish Super Cup, but disaster struck in the final. They were humiliated by Barcelona in the final, losing 2-5. Barcelona sealed their spot in the final yesterday, so this is the chance for Real Madrid to right a wrong.

First, they must beat city rivals Atletico, and you can follow all the live events of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid as they happen with us. For either team, winning today would be the best way to start 2026.

Real Madrid started the match on the right foot, as just one minute into the game, Federico Valverde scored a brilliant free-kick goal to put his team ahead. Atletico Madrid tried to find an equalizer with several chances, but they were unable to break the deadlock in the first half.

In the second half, Xabi Alonso’s team struck first again following a goal by Rodrygo in the 54th minute, which nearly left Diego Simeone’s men without hope. However, three minutes later, Alexander Sorloth scored a header to pull one back and keep their hopes alive.

Despite Atletico Madrid having several attempts to equalize the match, Thibaut Courtois was fundamental in maintaining the lead and securing the victory for his team. Real Madrid will face FC Barcelona on Sunday, January 11, in the Spanish Super Cup 2026 final to see who will lift the first title of the year.

Real Madrid enter the matchup as the favorite to secure a spot in the final, though anything can happen in the Madrid Derby. Xabi Alonso’s squad arrives in peak form, currently sitting second in LaLiga with 45 points and coming off a dominant 5-1 victory over Real Betis—its fourth consecutive win.

However, the Spanish manager will have to navigate a significant absence as Kylian Mbappe remains sidelined. The Frenchman is out with a knee sprain, and Gonzalo Garcia, who is coming off a sensational hat-trick in his last outing, is expected to step into the starting lineup.

On the other side of the pitch, Atletico Madrid head into the semifinal looking to find their footing. Diego Simeone’s side recently saw a four-game winning streak snapped following a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, leaving them in fourth place in the LaLiga standings with 38 points.

What happens if Real Madrid win vs Atletico Madrid?

If Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid in regulation, they will advance directly to the Spanish Super Cup Final. There, they will face Barcelona on Sunday, January 11, in a high-stakes Clásico for the first trophy of 2026.

What happens if Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid tie?

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has opted to maintain the rule change introduced last season, eliminating extra time from the tournament’s format. Consequently, if the match remains deadlocked after 90 minutes of regulation, it will proceed directly to a penalty shootout to determine who advances to the final.

What happens if Real Madrid lose vs Atletico Madrid?

If Atletico Madrid pull off the upset, Diego Simeone’s side will secure the ticket to the final. In this case, Atletico would face Barcelona on Sunday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, while Real Madrid would be eliminated from the competition.