BY OUR FOOTBALL REPORTER IN JEDDAH
REAL MADRID turned the heat up in the Saudi desert to book their place in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-1 win over rivals Atletico.
While the Madrid Derby is usually a local affair, this latest installment of one of football’s fiercest feuds took place 3,000 miles from home at the glittering King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
And it was Federico Valverde who adjusted to the Saudi climate fastest, sending the pro-Madrid crowd into a frenzy after just two minutes.
The Uruguayan maestro unleashed a thunderbolt free-kick from 25 yards that left Atleti keeper Jan Oblak clutching at thin air.
The “King’s” stadium—a 62,000-seater oasis in the desert—was a sea of white as the local fans got exactly what they paid for.
Despite the neutral setting, the atmosphere was as spicy as any night at the Bernabéu.
Xabi Alonso’s side doubled their lead in the 55th minute through Brazilian star Rodrygo. After some intricate footwork that belonged in a ballroom rather than a football pitch, he calmly slotted home to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the tie to bed.
But Diego Simeone’s men refused to go quietly into the Jeddah night.
Alexander Sørloth sparked hopes of a comeback just three minutes later, towering above the Real defense to power home a header.
Atletico threw everything at it in the closing stages, but Real held firm under the floodlights to secure their spot in Sunday’s final, where they will face Barcelona in an all-star El Clasico in the desert.
The match wasn’t without its typical derby drama, either. Vinicius Jr was seen exchanging heated words with Simeone on the touchline as he was substituted, proving that even in the Middle East, there is no love lost between these two.
Real now march on to Sunday’s final at the same venue, looking to bring some silverware back across the Mediterranean.
