Defending champions Barcelona will be looking to clinch yet another Spanish Super Cup title when they square up against rivals Real Madrid in the final.

Having suffered a humiliating 5-2 defeat in the Super Cup final last time out, Real Madrid will be looking to avenge that defeat when they face Barcelona in the latest instalment of the Clasico.

The Catalan giants smashed Athletic Club 5-0 in the semi-final, and they will certainly be confident about their chances of defending the title. It was one of their best performance this season, and they will be looking for a similar display against Los Blancos.

The Blaugrana have not only managed to establish a four-point lead at the top of La Liga, but they have also won each of their last nine games across competitions. Barelona are certainly favourites for this one, but going up against Real Madrid is never easy.

The team in white were a touch inconsistent towards the end of 2025, but they have bounced back in some fashion and have won each of their last five games across competitions. They secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid to secure a spot in the final.

While it was not their best performance, they made the most out of their limited chances and got the job done. Xabi Alonso’s men will now look to build on their recent results against the Catalan giants.

Los Blancos were hammered 5-2 in the last Spanish Super Cup final by Barcelona. They will certainly want to give it back, but given the Catalan giants’ current form, it won’t be easy to even go past Hansi Flick. The fact that Alonso’s team won the first Clasico of the season 2-1 will certainly give them some confidence. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.

Team News & Tactics

Barcelona

Hansi Flick has no fresh injury to deal with ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final between Barcelona and Real Madrid. He remains without the services of Gavi (knee), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (unspecified), and Andreas Christensen (knee).

Ronaldo Araujo could be back in the squad for this game. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal, who was not ready to start against Athletic Club, is expected to feature in the XI in the Clasico.

The Catalan giants will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will continue in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will feature as the full-backs, while Pau Cubarsi should pair up Eric Garcia in the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Pedri and Frenkie De Jong will form the double pivot in the centre of the park. They will shield the backline and look to control the tempo of the game.

Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez could feature in the wide areas, with Raphinha taking up the number ten role. Meanwhile, Ferran Torres will be lead the line for Barcelona against Real Madrid on Sunday. Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski and Roony Bardghji could all feature off the bench if needed.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin; Ferran Torres

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso remains without the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring). Brahim Diaz is still at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo (knock), Antonio Rudiger (knee) and Raul Asencio (thigh) will all be assessed ahead of the game. Kylian Mbappe is back in the squad, and Alonso has suggested that he could start, but they might not risk him from the get-go.

The team in white will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Thibaut Courtois will take charge in goal. Federico Valverde and Alvaro Carreras will continue as the full-backs. In the heart of the defence, Dean Huijsen could start alongside Raul Asencio.

As for the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni will take up the number six role in the centre of the park, while Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga will be in his support. The trio will look to ensure Barcelona do not dominate possession.

Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes will continue to feature on the flanks, while Gonzalo Garcia should spearhead the Real Madrid attack against Barcelona this weekend, with Mbappe most likely making an appearance off the bench.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Garcia, Vinicius Junior

Key Stats

• This is the fourth consecutive year that Real Madrid and Barcelona will square up in the Spanish Super Cup final.
• In the Super Cup final last year, Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 5-2.
• Meanwhile, Los Blancos won the earlier meeting between the two teams in the league (2-1).
• Over the years, the two teams have faced each other on 18 occasions in the Super Cup; Los Blancos have 10 wins, while the Catalan giants have come out on top on six occasions.
• The team in white have each of their last five outings, while Barcelona have been on a nine-match winning streak.

Player to Watch

Vinicius Junior

Embed from Getty Images

Vinicius has looked like a shadow of his former self in the ongoing campaign. While he has 13 goal contributions in his 26 outings across competitions, the 25-year-old has not been consistent enough. More importantly, he has been subject to a lot of criticism in recent weeks.

This Clasico provides him the perfect opportunity to get things back on track. A standout performance in this fixture will be a perfect reply to all the critics, and Vinicius certainly has the knack for delivering in the big games. However, getting it right against Barcelona is easier said than done.

Prediction

Barcelona 2-3 Real Madrid

Barcelona will head into the final brimming with confidence after their emphatic semi-final display and an impressive winning run across competitions. Hansi Flick’s men have looked well-drilled and ruthless in the final third, and if they manage to control possession and dictate the tempo, they could put Real Madrid under sustained pressure.

However, defensive lapses in high-stakes games remain a concern, especially against Real Madrid’s pace and directness in transition. Los Blancos will see this final as the perfect opportunity to settle scores after last year’s heavy defeat.

Xabi Alonso’s men have shown resilience in recent weeks and tend to thrive in big-game situations, even when they are not at their fluent best. If they can stay compact and make the most of key moments, Los Blancos have enough quality to edge a tight contest and lift the Super Cup. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-2 win for Alonso and his charges.