All 25,000 tickets were claimed at Al Alawwal Park, the home ground where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr usually stars. The night marked the opening match of the Super Cup, and the energy in the arena was electric as fans prepared for a clash that blended league rivalries with a regional spotlight. The Madrid derby ignited the crowd, many backing Real Madrid. In a moment, Carlo Ancelotti’s side felt like a compact version of the Santiago Bernabéu, lighting up Riyadh with its familiar white on white energy.
Real Madrid reached the Super Cup final with extra time drama that captivated Arabia
The final whistle brought a surprised hush, followed by a brief pause as the crowd absorbed the moment before erupting again with renewed fervor. Ancelotti’s players fed off the warmth of the venue, with Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. signaling the fans to rise and cheer. The stadium brimmed with Real Madrid jerseys, while many attendees wore traditional white outfits that spoke to the club’s iconic aesthetic. White scarves appeared at the gates as families and children joined the mood, and Saudi women dressed in black ensembles accented by white scarves provided a striking contrast under the arena lights.
Inside the stands, Atlético de Madrid supporters were few and far between. A small cluster of about a dozen fans sat near the edge, four of whom had journeyed from Madrid to witness the spectacle in person. Loyalists from various nations demonstrated their devotion to Real Madrid, reflecting the global reach of the club’s emblematic shirt. The evening also highlighted the growing international following for Bellingham, who drew sustained applause as he took the field, underscoring his rising stardom on this stage.
Meanwhile, Kroos encountered a mixed reception, with occasional boos echoing from sections of the crowd. Remarks about the appeal of top‑tier football in Saudi Arabia had lingered in conversations around the match, illustrating the broader discussion about the sport’s evolving geography and its implications for players and fans alike.
Prior to kickoff, many attendees explored the Fan Zone hosted by the Spanish Federation outside the stadium. The area offered music, a festive atmosphere, and a social space to mingle, all within the bounds of local regulations that prohibit alcohol. A paella stall offered a nod to Spanish cuisine, though the dish carried the flavor and character of its regional interpretation. Visitors could also enjoy ball juggling shows and penalties staged in team jerseys, creating lighthearted moments before the serious business of the game began. The setup offered a distinct flavor of pregame celebration, diverging from the European finals tradition and providing a uniquely regional prelude to the clash on the field.