SportSpanish Super Cup: Real Madrid Defeats Mallorca and Heads to the Final Against Barça

In the semi-finals of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid showcased their dominance, crushing Mallorca 3-0 to secure a coveted spot in the final. With this decisive victory, Madrid earned the right to face their eternal rivals, FC Barcelona, in what promises to be a fiery Clasico on Sunday evening.

Having watched Barcelona triumph over Athletic Bilbao with a 2-0 win on Wednesday night, the pressure was on Real Madrid to deliver. Playing at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Carlo Ancelotti’s side demonstrated their intent, fielding a star-studded lineup featuring Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham. Mallorca, though sixth in La Liga, came prepared, with Jagoba Arrasate employing a defensive 4-4-2 formation led by Muriqi and Larin upfront.

From the first whistle, Madrid asserted control, suffocating Mallorca’s defensive lines with relentless attacks. Just three minutes into the game, Lucas Vázquez tested Dominik Greif with a powerful strike, forcing the Mallorca goalkeeper into an early save. Moments later, Rodrygo unleashed an attempt that narrowly missed the target.

Despite Madrid’s overwhelming dominance, Mallorca found glimpses of opportunity. In the 19th minute, Larin came close with a header that sailed just wide of Courtois’ post, a stark reminder that the match was still open. However, injuries began to take their toll on the visitors as Raíllo, a key figure in their defense, was substituted after sustaining a physical blow.

Madrid’s attacking momentum continued into the latter stages of the first half. Mbappé orchestrated several promising plays, but Mallorca’s defense stood firm. At halftime, despite having 67% possession and registering 15 shots to Mallorca’s six, Real Madrid failed to convert their dominance into goals.

The second half began with a renewed sense of urgency for Madrid. Early chances fell to Rodriguez and Camavinga, but the finishing touch remained elusive. However, their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute. Rodrygo’s header rebounded off the post, and Bellingham, positioned perfectly in the box, slotted the ball home with his right foot, breaking the deadlock and igniting celebrations among Madrid’s supporters.

The goal marked a turning point. Bellingham’s strike not only lifted the pressure but also allowed Madrid to dictate the tempo of the game. Ancelotti’s men maintained their composure and tightened their grip on the match. Mallorca struggled to respond, their defensive structure gradually unraveling under Madrid’s relentless pressure.

In the dying moments of the game, fortune turned against Mallorca. In the 92nd minute, under pressure from Mbappé, Martin Valjent inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, doubling Madrid’s lead. The goal highlighted Madrid’s unyielding determination to secure victory at any cost.

As the final whistle approached, Rodrygo capped off a stellar performance with a sensational strike in the 95th minute. Receiving a precise cross from Lucas Vázquez, the Brazilian calmly finished past Greif, sealing a resounding 3-0 win for Los Blancos.

With the victory secured, Real Madrid’s focus now shifts to Sunday’s final against Barcelona. The Clasico will not only decide the winner of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup but also reignite one of football’s fiercest rivalries. For Madrid, the clash presents an opportunity to avenge their humiliating 4-0 loss to Barça in their last La Liga meeting. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be looking to make amends for their 4-1 defeat to Madrid in last year’s Super Cup final.

Carlo Ancelotti, reflecting on the match, praised his team’s resilience and tactical execution. “We knew this would be a tough game, but the players remained focused and delivered when it mattered most. Now, we turn our attention to Sunday. A Clasico final is always special, and we are ready to give everything to bring the trophy home.”

For Mallorca, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their valiant efforts, they were ultimately outclassed by a superior Madrid side. Jagoba Arrasate, the Mallorca coach, acknowledged the gap in quality but expressed pride in his team’s journey to the semi-finals.

As football fans around the globe gear up for the final, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. A showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona is more than just a match; it’s a spectacle that captures the essence of Spanish football. All eyes will be on Jeddah this Sunday as these two giants battle for glory.

For Real Madrid, this is a chance to reaffirm their dominance and lift the first silverware of 2025. For Barcelona, it’s an opportunity to assert their supremacy and silence their fiercest critics. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: the 2025 Spanish Super Cup final will be an unmissable clash of titans.