Will We See an El Clásico Finale in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup?
26 Dec 2025
3 min read
The start of the year often brings resolutions and fresh starts, but for football fans, January 2026 brings something far more electric: the Supercopa de España. As the four-team tournament descends upon Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the question on everyone’s lips is whether we are destined for the ultimate showdown.
Could we be looking at another El Clásico final?
The Road to Jeddah: Who’s in the Mix?
This edition features a compelling lineup. Because FC Barcelona dominated the domestic scene last season—winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey—the qualification spots opened up for the league’s top four.
| Team | Qualification Method |
|---|---|
| FC Barcelona | La Liga & Copa del Rey Winners |
| Real Madrid | La Liga & Copa del Rey Runners-up |
| Atlético Madrid | La Liga 3rd Place |
| Athletic Bilbao | La Liga 4th Place |
The Semi-Final Hurdles
An El Clásico final isn’t guaranteed; both titans have formidable opponents to overcome first.
- January 7: FC Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao — Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enter as the reigning champions and league leaders, but the Lions of Bilbao are notoriously tough in knockout formats. Barcelona will need to contain the explosive Nico Williams to secure their spot.
- January 8: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid — Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid are seeking redemption. After a rocky end to 2025, they face their city rivals, Diego Simeone’s Atlético. Atlético have already shown they can dismantle Madrid this season.
Why an El Clásico Final Matters Now
If both teams progress, the final on January 11 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be more than just a trophy presentation.
- The Xabi Alonso Era: For Real Madrid, this tournament is viewed as a potential turning point — using a Super Cup win to ignite a second-half-of-the-season surge.
- Barcelona’s Dominance: Barcelona are currently four points clear of Madrid in the league. A victory in Jeddah would reinforce their psychological edge and Fleck’s tactical approach.
- A Global Spectacle: With stars like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior likely to feature, a final between these two is the ultimate commercial and sporting jackpot for the host city.
The Verdict
The stage is set for a blockbuster January. While Athletic Bilbao and Atlético Madrid can still spoil the party, the narrative tension between Flick and Alonso points toward a potential Sunday night showdown between Spain’s two greatest rivals.