Real Madrid advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final on Thursday, Jan. 8, after a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Jeddah. Federico Valverde scored early from a free kick, Rodrygo added a second, and Alexander Sorloth pulled one back for Atletico. Thibaut Courtois made a series of fine saves to frustrate the home side and keep Real ahead.

Atletico dominated possession and outshot Real more than two-to-one but struggled to convert chances. Courtois was repeatedly called into action, tipping headers and denying efforts from Alex Baena and Conor Gallagher. Real’s early pressing disrupted Atletico’s rhythm, and a quick free kick from Valverde set the tone for the match.

Despite the early setback, Atletico created several scoring opportunities. Julian Alvarez fired wide, Sorloth headed over, and Baena had shots saved. Courtois’ sharp reflexes kept the scoreline in Real’s favor heading into halftime.

Rodrygo seals the advantage

In the 55th minute, Rodrygo latched onto a precise through-ball from Valverde and finished coolly past Jan Oblak to make it 2-0. Atletico responded three minutes later as Sorloth powered a header into the net, giving Los Rojiblancos hope of an equalizer.

Courtois remained pivotal in maintaining Real’s lead, denying Griezmann, Baena, and Llorente on separate occasions. Real Madrid also made defensive changes, replacing Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia to consolidate their advantage. Atletico continued to attack but could not break through again, sending Real Madrid into the final against FC Barcelona.

Key moments under pressure

From the opening minutes, Jude Bellingham was fouled just outside the Atletico box, allowing Valverde to score a rising free kick that beat Oblak. Atletico continued pressing throughout the first half, creating multiple chances but repeatedly frustrated by Courtois’ exceptional saves.

Real Madrid’s disciplined defensive organization limited Atletico’s opportunities in dangerous areas. Even when Marcos Llorente and Julian Alvarez sent attempts wide, Courtois’ presence and timely interventions preserved the 2-1 lead. The semifinal was a mix of tactical pressing, clinical finishing, and goalkeeping heroics. [Xinhua]