Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has called on his team to learn from their painful defeat against Barcelona earlier this season as they prepare for the Spanish Super Cup final. The highly anticipated clash will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, offering Los Blancos a chance to avenge their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of the Catalan giants in October.
Reflecting on the crushing La Liga defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of avoiding past errors. “We need to analyze that game. They beat us comprehensively, but we’ve reviewed what went wrong. We started strong but faltered in the second half. This time, we must replicate the positives and eliminate the mistakes,” Ancelotti stated during a pre-match press conference.
The Italian coach acknowledged the elevated stakes of facing Barcelona in a final, describing such encounters as “always special.” He stressed that the key to victory would be finding the right balance between their potent attacking options and a solid defensive structure.
Madrid’s attacking prowess, bolstered by the arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappe last summer, has been a double-edged sword. Alongside Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes, Mbappe has added firepower to Real Madrid’s frontline. However, Ancelotti admitted that their offensive focus sometimes leaves them vulnerable at the back.
“In recent Clasicos, individual brilliance has often overshadowed team cohesion,” Ancelotti explained. “Balance and collective effort in defense will be critical. If we defend well, our chances of winning increase significantly.”
An Eye on Redemption
Ancelotti candidly described the 4-0 defeat as his worst memory from an otherwise stellar 2024, a year in which Real Madrid clinched both La Liga and the Champions League titles. Despite the setback, he expressed optimism about his team’s progress.
“We’re close to securing another trophy, and our mindset is positive. While a defeat would be disappointing, it won’t define our trajectory. This team is moving forward, not backward,” he asserted.
Real Madrid has already added the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup to their trophy cabinet this season. The Super Cup final offers another opportunity for silverware, reinforcing their dominance in both domestic and international football.
Barcelona’s Dani Olmo Cleared to Play
Meanwhile, Barcelona received a boost ahead of the final as midfielder Dani Olmo was controversially granted a temporary license by Spain’s national sports council (CSD). Although Ancelotti refrained from commenting on the contentious decision, he acknowledged Olmo’s threat, stating, “We must minimize his impact on the game.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed Olmo’s availability but hinted at starting Gavi in the attacking midfield role after his impressive performance in the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. “Gavi was exceptional against Athletic, and he’s full of confidence. While I’m leaning toward him, I haven’t finalized my lineup,” Flick revealed.
The Super Cup presents Flick with his first chance to claim silverware since taking charge at Barcelona. The German tactician highlighted the significance of a victory for the team’s morale.
“A win would be monumental for us. It would boost our confidence for the rest of the season and underline our potential,” Flick added.
A Rivalry Renewed
As Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare for another chapter in their storied rivalry, the stakes could not be higher. The Super Cup final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance and lay the groundwork for the remainder of the season.
Hobnob News will provide comprehensive coverage of the match, offering insights and updates as the drama unfolds in Jeddah.
