Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: 2026 Spanish Supercopa Semifinal Preview
Jeddah, 8 January 2026 – The Madrid derby returns to the spotlight as Atlético Madrid face Real Madrid in the semifinal of the Spanish Supercopa at the Alinma Bank Stadium. This fixture, steeped in over a century of rivalry, pits the capital’s two giants against each other in a battle for a place in the final.
Historical Rivalry and Significance
The Madrid derby, known as El Derbi Madrileño, dates back to 1906 and has evolved into one of football’s fiercest rivalries. Real Madrid hold the upper hand with 117 wins in 241 encounters, compared to Atlético’s 86 victories and 38 draws. Iconic moments include Real Madrid’s dominance in the 2010s and Atlético’s resurgence under Diego Simeone, who has coached the team since 2011. Recent La Liga meetings saw Atlético secure a 5-2 win in September 2025, while Champions League clashes in March 2025 ended in draws. This Supercopa semifinal adds another chapter, with Real Madrid aiming to avenge recent losses and Atlético seeking to disrupt their neighbours’ title ambitions.
Current Form and Key Players
Atlético Madrid enter the match in solid form, unbeaten in their last five games across competitions, including a 3-0 win over Girona and a 3-2 victory against Atlético Baleares. Real Madrid have also been impressive, with a 5-1 thrashing of Real Betis and a 2-0 defeat of Sevilla. However, injuries plague both sides: Atlético miss Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González, while Real Madrid are without Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, and Brahim Díaz. Predicted lineups feature Atlético’s 4-4-2 with Jan Oblak in goal and stars like Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth upfront, against Real Madrid’s setup including Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. The match promises intensity, with odds favouring Real Madrid slightly at +115 for victory.
Key Facts and Stats
| Statistic | Atlético Madrid | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| La Liga Position (as of latest) | 4th (38 points) | 2nd (45 points) |
| Recent Form (Last 5 Games) | 4 wins, 1 draw | 4 wins, 1 loss |
| All-Time Head-to-Head Wins | 86 | 117 |
| Top Scorer in Rivalry | Cristiano Ronaldo (22 goals) | Cristiano Ronaldo (22 goals) |
| Match Odds (Moneyline) | +190 | +115 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the match?
The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 in the United States, TNT Sports 1 in the United Kingdom, and Sky Sports Mexico in Mexico. It is not televised in Canada.
What is the significance of the Spanish Supercopa?
The Supercopa de España is a prestigious tournament pitting the winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey against each other, often held in Saudi Arabia. Winning it adds a major honour to a club’s trophy cabinet.
How have the teams performed in recent derbies?
In the 2024-25 season, Atlético won 5-2 in La Liga, while Champions League matches ended 1-0 to Atlético and 2-1 to Real Madrid. The rivalry remains closely contested.