Xavi remained clear about Barça’s potential to lift the Super Cup. Real Madrid understands that the possibility exists and could tip in their favor, but the coach remains confident that his project is built to win. He also emphasized what must be done to claim the title in Riyadh.
“The team is highly motivated and ready. The ideal scenario for any player is a final against Real Madrid. We are fortunate to have witnessed a remarkable example from last season. It was the perfect match. Our aim is to control the game, enforce our identity and our style, and keep the ball. In the club’s press conference, there was a clear message: this is our first title among the four we have this season, and we intend to win it”, he remarked. The Egarense coach spoke of implementing Cruyff-inspired ideas to lift the trophy, and he asserted, “I have a clear plan to impose our DNA, control possession, and take the ball away from Madrid.”
Ancelotti faces Xavi: “I’ll be happy if I win the final, even if we don’t deserve it”
That sentiment stands regardless of whether the match features four midfielders or a different setup. The focus remains on owning Barça’s DNA and staying faithful to the Cruyff ethos that shaped generations. The message is simple: play with intent, execute our game plan, and let the results reflect the quality on display.
The Barça coach dismissed the idea that extra time or a later semi-final schedule would influence the outcome. He stressed that Barça must perform well to win, arguing that victories should come from merit rather than circumstance. “Sometimes we won without earning it in the past; perhaps this year there will be a fairer match, and other times the opposite has happened. The key is to play well and compete. We drew with Sevilla, Athletic, Real Madrid, Girona, and Porto, and we have shown improvement compared with last season. What matters is consistency over those critical matches”, Xavi explained.
The press conference before the final was used to reinforce the project’s trajectory. He stated that Barça has earned victories and that Real Madrid naturally feels pressure from a rising Barça. “When Barça is strong, Madrid is also strong. If we want the championship, we must beat Madrid. We won the final and earned the league title by defeating them. They have witnessed a Barça that is solid since our leadership began. We have claimed two championships last year and are ready for more. On an individual level, the focus is not on personal stakes but on the team’s broader ambitions. The final is another opportunity to demonstrate the progress we have made, with confidence and calmness guiding us.”
Real Madrid
There is little need to dwell on the opponent beyond praising Carlo Ancelotti, who renewed his contract with Real Madrid. “He is among the best managers in the world and in history. His track record speaks for itself, across countries, with a demeanor that is consistently respectful. Given our shared background as midfielders, we share a similar footballing philosophy, though their methods and style differ”, the Barça coach noted. Attention was also given to Jude Bellingham, who has made a noticeable impact. The Barça coach stated that the preparation did not single out any one player, but he acknowledged that Bellingham’s moves from the second line create real danger. “He has a great sense for the run, a powerful technique, and exceptional physicality. We remember the goal he scored against us in the league clash in Montjuïc, and we know he can make a difference throughout the match.”