Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that French forward Kylian Mbappé will feature in the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. Mbappé, who recently recovered from a knee injury, has travelled with the squad to Saudi Arabia and is expected to play in Sunday’s Clasico at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the participation of Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Goes, who scored a crucial goal in the semi-final. Rodrigo did not travel with the team due to a hamstring injury, and further medical assessments are required to determine his availability for the final.
Alonso commented, “Mbappé is in good shape. He has participated in several full training sessions, and his physical condition is positive. We hope he will be ready for the final. As for Rodrigo, we are still being cautious.”
Mbappé’s presence could have a significant impact on Real Madrid’s attacking strategy. Should he play, the team will likely deploy new tactical plans to optimise his speed and finishing ability. Barcelona, in turn, may need to adjust their defensive setup to counteract the French star.
Below is a summary of the probable player availability for the final:
| Player | Position | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | Forward | Confirmed | Recovered from knee injury |
| Rodrigo Goes | Midfielder | Uncertain | Hamstring injury, medical evaluation ongoing |
| Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | Confirmed | Fully fit |
Real Madrid secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals. Alonso expressed confidence that the squad is fully prepared but acknowledged that if Rodrigo’s injury proves serious, contingency plans would need to be activated.
This year’s Clasico is shaping up to be more than a contest for the title—it is a crucial test of squad fitness and tactical acumen. Mbappé’s confirmed participation strengthens Real Madrid’s attack, while Rodrigo’s uncertain status could either pose a challenge or offer an opportunity for Barcelona, depending on how both teams adapt.
The final promises to be a tactical chess match, with fitness levels, key players, and strategic decisions all likely to influence the outcome of this iconic fixture.