FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to contest the Spanish Super Cup title this Sunday in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The Catalans chase their 16th trophy, while the 'merengues' vie for their 15th in an 'El Clásico' that promises to be shaped by the brilliance of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe — both still managing their minutes —, the midfield mastery of Pedri and the dynamism of Bellingham, with two coaches navigating distinct phases of their respective tenures.

A crucial battle will also unfold between the posts. Joan Garcia and Thibaut Courtois, two formidable shot-stoppers, have consistently delivered decisive, high-level saves. With the specter of penalties — should the match remain tied after 90 minutes — looming, the significance of the goalkeepers' gains even greater weight.

Lamine Yamal's Return Contrasts with Mbappe's Fitness Doubt

Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid's biggest stars arrive with lingering fitness concerns. Lamine Yamal was introduced from the bench in the 72nd minute against Athletic Club in the semi-finals, a match where his full impact was not required due to a dominant 5-0 victory. For this Sunday, however, his influence is now deemed indispensable.

A stomach issue had sidelined the prolific number 10. Nevertheless, he boasts an impressive nine goals and 11 assists this season and, crucially, has proven to be synonymous with victory in 'Clasicos' whenever he registers a goal or an assist. Across eight 'Clasicos', he suffered four defeats — precisely those encounters where he failed to contribute to any goal. In the remaining four, he tallied three goals and two assists.

Kylian Mbappe presents a contrasting narrative: he has netted six goals in five 'Clasicos', yet has claimed victory in only one. He endured defeat in all four from last season, securing a solitary win in the only one played so far this current season.

Nonetheless, the Frenchman's participation in the Spanish Super Cup final remains uncertain. A left knee sprain had sidelined him for the fixture against Betis and the semi-final clash with Atletico de Madrid. He arrived in Jeddah on Friday night, and his involvement will hinge entirely on his physical assessment during the final training session.

Pedri's Orchestration Meets Bellingham's Dynamo

Pedri serves as FC Barcelona's midfield orchestrator. Having fully recuperated from the injury suffered at the end of December, the number 8 is once again operating at full capacity. Against Athletic, Barça's incisive, vertical play emanated from his precise feet. While not officially registering assists in the main statistics, he was involved in the build-up of most of the five goals.

He dictated the rhythm of attacks, executed exquisite one-touch football, shrewdly held possession to facilitate runs, and carved open defences with penetrative passes between the lines. He completed 82 passes (92% accuracy), won eight duels, and created one key pass inside the box. Pedri emphatically stamped his authority on the game.

This creative profile is precisely what Real Madrid currently lacks. The absence of seasoned maestros Kroos and Modrić has deprived the 'white' team of the creative midfield fulcrum vital to their recent triumphs. While Bellingham has yet to significantly evolve his build-up play, he presents himself at a demonstrably superior physical level.

This physical prowess was evident as he, along with Giuliano Simeone (13), emerged as the player who won the most duels in the last game. Operating in a more central role and liberated from wide defensive responsibilities, Bellingham is a pivotal component in the high-pressing, quick-recovery system that Xabi Alonso is striving to implement — albeit still lacking consistent execution. This approach will prove crucial against a Barça team renowned for its possession-based dominance.

Goalkeeping Titans: Joan Garcia and Thibaut Courtois

With no extra time in the Spanish Super Cup format, the title could well be decided on penalties, thus elevating the significance of the goalkeepers. Prior to any potential spot-kick drama, Joan Garcia and Courtois are poised to play a decisive role in preserving their teams' hopes during the tightest moments of regular play.

The Belgian international is renowned for his expertise in such situations. Real Madrid's inconsistent form has perhaps afforded him more work than usual. Against Atletico, he notably thwarted a powerful Sorloth header at the near post.

In that game, Courtois also adapted his role in ball distribution, as Real Madrid opted for more direct play. This tactical shift, evident even before the foul that led to Valverde's goal, arguably relinquished some of the 'white' team's customary control.

This is an aspect that Barça will undoubtedly look to exploit. Courtois attempted 34 long passes, a stark contrast to Joan Garcia's solitary long distribution. Garcia, while relatively untroubled against Athletic, had previously shone in the derby the preceding weekend against Espanyol. Under intense scrutiny due to his 'perico' past, he produced six crucial saves, three of which thwarted clear goal-scoring opportunities, thereby contributing to Barça's impressive run of five consecutive clean sheets — a feat not achieved since July 2020.

Tactical Tussle: Xabi Alonso Pursues Flick's Immediate Glory

The 'Clasico' is also set to feature a compelling tactical battle on the sidelines. Xabi Alonso prevailed over Hansi Flick in their only encounter this season, strategically deploying four midfielders to achieve midfield equilibrium and stifle Barça's renowned associative play.

In that match, Flick contended with many absences — Christensen, Gavi (still out), Joan Garcia, Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Ter Stegen. Now, two and a half months later, the German coach commands a more robust squad, affording him more options to formulate a revised strategy and challenge for the title.

Flick's previous season culminated in a categorical 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, securing his first trophy at the helm of FC Barcelona. It is a trajectory that Xabi Alonso now seeks to emulate during his first months on the 'merengue' bench, a period still marked by a degree of instability.

Lamine Yamal

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