Carlo Ancelotti described himself as a neighbor in the preview of the first semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup, a clash set for Wednesday at 20.00. Diego Pablo Simeone. Their paths have crossed many times in a relationship that feels intimate yet different from their usual on-field rivalry: Inter-Milan, Rome-Lazio, Italy-Argentina and, of course, Real Madrid-Atletico. Both managers show a striking similarity to the clubs they lead, sharing a mindset that leans toward pragmatism, discipline, and a relentless drive to win.
In the coming weeks, their rivalry will intensify through a trio of Madrid derbies. The first meeting is a tense away-from-home duel, a test of nerves where neither side can predict the outcome. Then comes the Copa del Rey round of 16 on January 18, followed by a league clash on February 4. These three matches will shape the season’s trajectory, with at least two trophies on the line. The emotional toll of these clashes adds another layer to the stakes.
Valverde defends Morata’s 2020 entry
The coaches spoke with a direct honesty that underscored the rivalry. The opinion was clear: there is no need for overthinking, but finding success against Atletico is challenging because they are strong league rivals who have left their mark. Both sides expect a fierce response, and the fans will likely savor every moment. Simeone, maintaining a tactical clarity, avoided direct comparisons to the league match that the red-and-whites won, noting that each meeting has its own conditions and surprises.
Rodrigo de Paul, whose style carries a certain fearless, tenacious edge, expressed enthusiasm for matches against top teams. If it were possible, he would happily play such games every week. If Valverde joined Real Madrid alongside Ancelotti, it might feel as if all derbies could resemble the dramatic 2020 Super Cup final, a game remembered for a decisive moment when Morata’s clear run was halted with a strong tackle, earning a red card, and helping Madrid clinch the title.
Morata will have opportunities to respond on the pitch, entering a run of form marked by career-best moments. He has been among the league’s top scorers, a figure not seen in the first half of the season. The forward aims to shine in the country he left and now sees sponsorship from Riyadh Air supporting the team. The sentiment was blunt: Arabia was an option, but his focus remained on Atlético Madrid, a club he did not want to watch from afar. Fans of the four teams involved in the semi-finals, including Barcelona and Osasuna in the other bracket, will be watching closely as narratives intertwine.
Footballers miss the warmth of their fans
As with most recent cup events, travel is minimal and the live event seeks to fill about 25,000 seats, a crowd smaller than in past editions. Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, home to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, hosts the event. It was also the scene in 2021 when Boca Juniors and Barcelona played a match honoring Maradona.
De Paul acknowledged the absence of his regular supporters, while other players highlighted the intentionality of hosting the game in this location. The question about offers from Saudi clubs arose, but the response was lighthearted: the manager joked that he felt forgotten, even as semi-final opportunities appeared more frequently than in much of the season.
Simeone avoids comparisons with a derby win: This will be different, they will rest the players
Returnees in Madrid’s lineup provide greater balance, with a blend of youth and experience in key positions. The defense remains solidified by a combination of seasoned veterans and athletic newer arrivals. Midfield options give the team breadth, while the wings offer pace and invention. The strategic setup emphasizes flexibility, enabling players to adapt quickly to the rhythm of the match and the story that unfolds on the field.
Real Madrid’s cautious defense and Cholo’s superstition
Madrid is expected to field what Ancelotti called the most cautious defense possible, with two pillars at the back and dynamic full-backs offering width. The interlinked roles of the center backs and the goalkeeper will be under scrutiny as the league’s leaders look to maintain a tight goal tally while seeking decisive moments in the attacking third. Doubts about certain squad members persist, but the approach remains pragmatic: minimize risk, maximize control, and trust the collective effort not to give opponents easy chances. The tactic of restraint is deliberate, a stance designed to keep the team balanced under pressure.
Valverde: I would repeat the Morata move
Simeone’s approach remains rooted in a familiar setup, with a line of five defenders and a quartet of midfielders, while De Paul is the creative spark in midfield. The ongoing logic of sticking with proven scripts persists, even as the league’s race narrows. The knockout format keeps alive a sense of fate and ritual, with a heavy emphasis on the striker’s impact to reenergize the squad. That sense of tradition—and the weight of expectations—shapes every decision as Madrid and Atletico chase momentum in a season filled with drama and uncertainty.