center of the field
A fresh edition of a classic showdown arrives with the 2024 Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid and Barcelona are set to clash this Sunday at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh after both teams secured their places by defeating Atlético de Madrid and Osasuna in the semi finals. Barcelona earned a decisive 3-1 victory, signaling what could be the second official meeting of the season between the two giants and a reprise of last year’s final. That previous match remains a reference point for Barcelona, who considered it one of their best performances since Xavi Hernández took the helm.
Real Madrid took a breather on Thursday to regroup after their defeat to Atlético de Madrid, a setback that carried into extra time in the prior contest. They returned to training on Friday at the facilities of Al Nassr. Barcelona faced a tougher hurdle due to an injury to Raphinha sustained during post-match recovery at the JW Marriott hotel, where medical tests were pending before any definitive prognosis could be given.
As the new classic approaches, Xavi and his coaching staff are assembling the plans that could deliver a third title for the club. Two reference points shape their strategy: last year’s final and the first 60 minutes of this season’s league clash on Montjuïc. In that league game, Barcelona dominated the early phase but conceded late to lose 1-2. The message from Xavi after the Osasuna win pointed to how the team intends to translate those valuable lessons onto the field this weekend. He emphasized the importance of controlling possession, dictating tempo, and turning Barcelona’s ball movement into sustained pressure on Madrid.
From the dugout, the Terrassa-born coach has a clear vision for what his side must do to lift the trophy again. Defense stability stands at the core of the plan, along with minimizing errors and forcing Madrid to work hard to create chances. Even when the stakes rise in a final, he insists on keeping the team focused on their own game and not chasing an opponent’s weaknesses at the expense of their own style.
In the landscape of midfield battles, the center of the park is expected to be the main arena. Xavi pointed out that Madrid have experimented with a shift in formation, moving away from a traditional number nine and adopting a diamond-like midfield with Bellingham at the core. The Catalan side will need to seize control of the middle of the pitch and extract the ball from Madrid to showcase their distinctive playing identity once more.
Barcelona will look to Pedri as a pivotal catalyst in midfield. The Canary Islander showed signs of sharpness against Osasuna, blending good touch and instinct to influence the flow of play for half an hour before being assessed for the final. The coach highlighted how Pedri’s presence simplifies decisions on the field, delivering the ball in advantageous positions and sustaining a high level of pressure when Barcelona has possession. This dynamic line of play did not require a rigid four-man midfield, as the tactical framework remains flexible enough to adapt to the formation Madrid chooses for the day.
The strategy echoes a familiar template from the previous Super Cup, featuring a quartet of midfielders in some variations. The manager of the visiting side has shown willingness to field De Jong, Pedri, Gavi, and Busquets when harmony among the lines is vital. His comments underline a confidence in the collective ability to control the tempo and imprint Barcelona’s personality on the match from the early exchanges. The absence of Raphinha potentially redirects the attacking routes, nudging Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Joao Felix into more prominent roles on the flanks and behind the forward line, depending on how the game unfolds and the fitness status of the Brazilian winger remains resolved.
In this high-stakes setting, the quality and durability of Osasuna’s defenders in the semi-final serve as a reminder of what is at stake. Barcelona’s asset lineup, including the options on the wings and the capacity to switch shapes during play, will test Real Madrid’s ability to adapt on the fly. The contest is shaping up to be a tactical chess match with physical intensity, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to capitalize on set pieces and transition moments. The atmosphere on match day will be electric, with both teams aiming to claim the coveted title and add another memorable chapter to their storied rivalry.