Real Madrid Beat Barcelona to go Through to Spanish Super Cup final
Real Madrid has advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final after an extra-time victory against rivals Barcelona.
Federico Valverde scored the victory in Saudi Arabia after Ansu Fati’s late equalizer forced extra time.
Real Madrid seized the lead three times in a dramatic El Clasico game, with Barcelona responding twice before Valverde made it 3-2.
Karim Benzema of Real Madrid scored and assisted in regular time, but Luuk de Jong and Fati equalized in the second half.
Benzema, who substituted for Vinicius Junior in the 25th minute, also struck the post in regular time and came close to increasing Real’s advantage in extra time with minutes remaining.
Throughout, he posed a danger, while Vinicius’ quickness on the counter-attack posed issues for Barcelona.
However, Xavi’s side produced chances as well, particularly via Ousmane Dembele and replacements Pedri and Fati, albeit they were unable to convert them.
Ferran Torres, who returned from injury, also made his entire Barcelona debut, although he failed to score before being removed at half-time.
Atletico Madrid, last season’s La Liga winners, face Athletic Bilbao in the second semi-final on Thursday, with the winner playing Real Madrid – pursuing their 12th Super Cup – in Sunday’s final in Riyadh.
