MADRID, Jan 10 : The Spanish Super Cup is returning to Saudi Arabia with defending champion Real Madrid and Valencia looking to get back on track and Barcelona and Real Betis hoping to maintain momentum.
The first semifinal game on Wednesday features Madrid and Valencia with both teams coming off weekend losses in the Spanish league. Madrid has dropped three points behind league leader Barcelona after a 2-1 defeat at Villarreal. Valencia lost 1-0 to Cádiz at home – its second straight league loss and is four points from the relegation zone.Barcelona and Betis meet on Thursday following victories back home. Barcelona rebounded from recent poor results with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Atlético Madrid, while Betis continued its good start to the year with a 2-1 win at Rayo Vallecano to stay in the Champions League spots.
The final is on Sunday at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh.
This is the fourth edition of the revamped Super Cup, which used to be played only between the Spanish league champion and the Copa del Rey winner. Now the runners-up in both competitions also participate, forming a Final Four tournament.
Madrid clinched the league ahead of Barcelona last season, while Betis won the cup final against Valencia.Madrid won the revamped Super Cup in 2020 and 2022. Athletic Bilbao won in 2021, when the tournament was played back in Spain because of the coronavirus pandemic.
MADRID DEPLETED
Madrid will be without defender David Alaba and Tchouaméni because of injuries. The regular starters did not travel with the rest of the squad to Saudi Arabia. Carvajal, who had been sidelined recently because of a muscle problem, will be available for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
LEWANDOWSKI FOR BARÇA
Barcelona coach Xavi will be able to count on Lewandowski again after the striker missed the league game against Atlético while serving the first of a three-game suspension. He is allowed to play in the Super Cup, though, and is set to start against Real Betis. (PTI)
