The Spanish Super Cup final’s two opponents have been set through a couple of hard-fought matches, with Barcelona and Real Madrid coming out on top and ready to take on each other in the final matchup. Barcelona was the first to stamp their ticket to the final by taking care of Athletic Club in a decisive 5-0 victory. Then Real Madrid pushed past Atletico Madrid 2-1 to earn their chance to fight for the cup.

Both victories have earned each respective team a chance to win it all and sets up a dynamic final, sure to thrill fans as each team fights for the cup. Although the upcoming final match may be the most important one, each team has already battled to earn their spot in the final. Let’s recap the semi-final matches that paved the way for this Super Cup showdown.

Barcelona wins against Athletic Club, headed to Super Cup final

Despite a bright start from Athletic Bilbao, Barcelona took control of the semifinal and stormed into a 4-0 lead at the break with goals from Ferran Torres, Fermín López, Roony Bardghji and Raphinha all in the space of a destructive 16-minute period in the first half of the game and one more goal in the second half.

“I think if it was an easy game, it was because we made it that way,” Barcelona forward Raphinha said after the match. “When we are in form, games can become easier. It’s never easy to play against Athletic. They have a lot of quality and players that can turn a game. Whether it’s easy or difficult, it’s down to how we play.”

After dominating Athletic Bilbao Barcelona secured their spot in the competition’s showpiece, where they would need to wait to see if they would face either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the final.

Barcelona player ratings vs Athletic Club:

Real Madrid beat Atletico to set up Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona

Valverde put Madrid ahead just two minutes into the match when the Uruguay midfielder scored directly from a free kick with a fierce strike that Jan Oblak could not keep out.

Valverde then helped make it 2-0 in the 55th minute when he threaded a pass through the middle of Atletico’s defense to meet Rodrygo’s run. The Brazil forward did the rest by beating Oblak with a low strike for the win.

Alexander Sorloth pulled Atletico close 1-2 three minutes later when the striker headed in a cross by Giuliano Simeone. Atletico pressed for the equalizer but came up short. Atletico created several chances to score in the final half but goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did well to block a point-blank header by Sorloth and a long strike by Alex Baena.

Madrid was playing without the injured Kylian Mbappé, sidelined with a left knee sprain for a second straight game.

Valverde’s goal was his first of the season. He has struggled to join the attack this campaign because he has been forced to play out of position at right back due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

“After so many games without scoring, today was a great day to find the net again and for the team to win,” Valverde said. “We must be prepared, rested and focused to win the final.”

Xabi Alonso’s team will face Barcelona in the final of four four-team tournaments.

This win was especially significant for Real Madrid, considering they had suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico when the two sides met in La Liga in September 2025.

Real Madrid player ratings vs Athletic Club: