Real Madrid, defending Supercopa de Espana champions, returned to the highlight of the competition in Jeddah after beating Mallorca 3-0 on Thursday evening.
The Canary Islands were predictably tenacious in the semi-final and could have easily taken the lead before Jude Bellingham, who did Zinedine Zidane’s job of choosing a tucked-in shirt, scored the opener after a scuffle in the Mallorca penalty area.
There was consolation for the 13-time national Supercup champions afterwards and if they retain their title this weekend they will be able to repeat Barcelona’s 14 successes in the competition.
This is how Madrid could face their Clasico rivals.
TW: Thibaut Courtois – Mallorca’s inefficient work in front of goal meant Courtois didn’t have to work too hard to concede on Thursday. The Belgian expects a busier appearance here.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Raul Asencio could emerge as a replacement at right-back in the second half of the season, but Carlo Ancelotti will stick with veteran Vazquez on Sunday.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – The Frenchman has fresh injury concerns ahead of the final, but there is hope that Tchouameni will be ready to go. He has made a relaxed impression since he started playing in Madrid’s defensive line.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger – David Alaba was back in the matchday squad on Thursday and the Austrian could still play a big role this season. However, the distinguished left-footed defender will not replace Rüdiger on Sunday.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Ancelotti has Fran Garcia as an option if he feels like rotating at left-back, but he would much rather pit the more robust Mendy against Lamine Yamal.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga has made great strides this season and is becoming an indispensable figure in Madrid’s midfield.
CM: Federico Valverde – Ancelotti has at least managed to match Valverde’s minutes in recent games, which should allow him to be back in the starting lineup against Barcelona. After playing half in Madrid’s Copa del Rey win over Minera, the Uruguay international played 75 minutes on Thursday.
RM: Rodrygo – The Brazilian capped his memorable birthday by scoring Madrid’s third goal of the semi-final and he should be included back in the eleven, although Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler are both in contention.
AM: Jude Bellingham – After a slow start to the 2024/25 season, goals continue to fall for the England star, with Ancelotti returning Bellingham to the free agent role he benefited from last season. Barca’s outstanding midfielder has a big task ahead of him.
LM: Vinicius Junior – Vini Jr. can’t seem to stay away from controversy at the moment. After his testy dismissal against Valencia, the Brazilian got into an argument with Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo on Thursday. The pair’s history dates back to the 2020/21 season after Maffeo was sent off following a nasty tackle on the Madrid superstar.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Task one for Mbappe on Sunday: Stay outside! The French star was offside a whopping eight times in October’s El Clasico – the most in a major European league game since December 2013.