Real Madrid travel to Yeda without Mbappé for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético By Beatriz
4 min read
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The Real Madrid departed this Tuesday, January 6, from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport towards Yeda, on Arábia Saudita. The team, led by Xabi Alonso, will compete in the Supercopa of España starting in the semi-final against the Atlético of The flight lasts around six hours, and the team concentrates at the Jeddah Hilton hotel.
The delegation arrives in the Saudi city for the tournament that brings together four teams: Real Madrid, Atlético of Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic Club. The other semi-final takes place on Wednesday, January 7th, between Barcelona and Athletic, also at 22:00 local time. The final is scheduled for Sunday, January 11th, at the same time, at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium.
Kylian Mbappé is out of the trip due to a strain on the left wheel, confirmed after medical evaluation. The Frenchman, scorer of 29 goals this season, did not participate in the last training session and prioritizes recovery to avoid worsening.
- Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Fran González.
- Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Rüdiger,
- Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, Ceballos, Thiago.
- Forwards: Vinicius, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Mastantuono.
Team preparation
The team held a training session at Cidade Real Madrid before the match. Xabi Alonso called up 23 players, including academy players like Fran González and Thiago Pitarch. Dean Huijsen returns after overcoming muscular overload, while Éder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold continue to recover.
The absence of Mbappé changes the attack, but Gonzalo García, who scored a hat-trick against Betis, is part of the group. Real Madrid won the last game 5-1, making it four consecutive victories. The Supercopa represents the first title up for grabs this year.
Tournament details
The Supercopa of España has adopted a final four format since 2020, with semi-finals and the final in a single venue. Yeda hosts the event for the third consecutive time, in the stadium with a capacity for 62 thousand spectators. Não there is extra time in case of a tie; It is decided on penalties.
Real Madrid is looking for its 14th title in the competition, after winning in 2024. Atlético of Transmissão occurs via Movistar Plus+ and Orange TV.
Featured squads
Xabi Alonso chose to mix experience and youth in the list. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo lead the attack without Mbappé. Bellingham returns to midfield after suspended suspension.
- Recovered: Huijsen and Carvajal available for the bank.
- Confirmed casualties: Mbappé, Militao and Brahim Díaz.
The team lands at Yeda and begins adapting to the time zone two hours ahead of Espanha. Treinos lightweights take place at the hotel before the semi-final.
History in Yeda
Real Madrid competed against Supercopa in Yeda in the 2020 and 2022 editions, winning the title in 2022 against Athletic. The city offers complete infrastructure, with the King Abdullah stadium as the main stage. The tournament distributes prizes and attracts global attention.
Barcelona and Athletic open the tournament on Wednesday. The winner faces Real Madrid or Atlético in the final. The competition marks the intense start of the 2026 calendar for the clubs.
Competition structure
Four qualified teams: LaLiga champions and runners-up and Copa del Rey, plus third parties by points. Sem match for third place. Empates go straight to penalties after 90 minutes.
Real Madrid arrives motivated after beating Betis. Xabi Alonso emphasizes the focus on the Madrid derbi. The delegation includes full technical and medical staff.
Travel and logistics
Charter flight by Emirates transports the group. Chegada scheduled for late local afternoon. Concentração in Jeddah Hilton allows recovery from jet lag.
The tournament takes place in January since the redesign. Yeda guarantees neutrality and a high level of organization. Partidas start at 22:00 local time to meet European times.
Absences and substitutes
Mbappé has 29 goals and 5 assists in 24 games. Sua low strength tactical adjustments. Gonzalo García appears as an option, with three goals in the last match.
Militao is undergoing treatment for a knee injury. Trent travels, but does not play. Huijsen reinforces the central defense.
Complete calendar
Semifinal 1: Barcelona x Athletic, Wednesday, January 7, 22:00 local time. Semifinal 2: Atlético x Real Madrid, Thursday, January 8, 22:00 local time. Final: Vencedores, Sunday, January 11, 10pm local time.
Full transmission on Espanha via Movistar. Real Madrid aims for the title to boost the season.
Format and rules
Final four without a round trip. Pênaltis direct in draws. Premiação total exceeds 10 million euros distributed.
The King Abdullah stadium hosts all games. Capacidade allows for a large audience. Segurança reinforced for delegations.
Group motivation
5-1 victory over Betis boosts morale. Quatro triumphs in a row under Xabi Alonso. Derbi versus Atlético tests consistency.
Vinicius Jr. leads messages to fans via networks. Equipe focuses on achievement early in the year.
Headquarters and infrastructure
Yeda offers luxury hotels and training camps. Clima mild January makes adaptation easier. Torneio attracts Saudi investment in Spanish football.
Real Madrid trained specific tactics for Atlético. Simeone prepares counterattack. Jogo promises balance.
Complete list of those called up
Goalkeepers keep Courtois as a starter. Defesa wins Huijsen. Meio-field with central Bellingham. Ataque bets on a speed of Vinicius and Rodrygo.
Canteiras travel for experience. Staff monitors post-trip physical loads.
