Xabi Alonso has steadied Real Madrid‘s ship in recent weeks after a tumultuous period but the Spanish Super Cup Clasico final against Barcelona on Sunday seems a make-or-break moment for the Spanish coach. Beating Super Cup holders Barcelona, who trounced Madrid 5-2 in last year’s final, also in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, would bring Alonso a first trophy at the helm. Lifting the Super Cup worked for Flick’s Barcelona last season, galvanising his team to claim La Liga and the Copa del Rey as well. In the three seasons prior to that, the Super Cup winners also went on to win the Spanish top flight. Vinicius has not scored in his last 16 outings for Real Madrid and Alonso must decide whether to line up with him against Barca.

Source: The Guardian January 10, 2026 20:16 UTC