Supercup semifinal massive game for Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid play Thursday's semifinal of the Spanish Supercup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a vital game for the future of Real coach Xabi Alonso.

Sunday's 5-1 win over Real Betis in La Liga was Real Madrid's best display under Alonso for several weeks and has lifted the pressure on the coach. However, a loss to local rival could still lead to him losing his job.

Atletico ended Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season with a 5-2 home win in the league in September 2025.

Real Madrid is without Eder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold due to long-term injuries, while Brahim Diaz is away and impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations, but the main loss is Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury he picked up last week.

The good news for Real Madrid and Alonso is that Mbappe's replacement Gonzalo Garcia scored a hat-trick against Betis and also provides a different profile of player, who can focus the attention of rival defenders while bringing wide players such as Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr into the action.

Atletico was held to a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad at the weekend, with the result leaving Diego Simeone's side 11 points behind FC Barcelona and seven behind Real Madrid in the La Liga title race.

With the league starting to look like mission impossible, success in the Supercup would be a huge boost for Simeone's side. However, he has midfielder Pablo Barrios doubtful with a muscle problem, while Clement Lenglet and Nicolas Gonzalez miss out again.

The derby's winner will play either FC Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao in Sunday's final.