Simeone’s squad and the Copa del Rey rest strategy
In preparation for a high-stakes derby, the Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid teams focused on rest and recovery for regulars who had shouldered heavy workloads in the Copa del Rey. The Spanish Super Cup 2024 moves toward a crucial semi-final on Wednesday at 20:00, pitting these two giants against one another in Riyadh. The list for Atlético includes Pablo Barrios, who is returning to full fitness after a meniscal tear, along with several young players who could gain valuable experience in this marquee clash. This time, Ancelotti also added four domestic players to his squad, joining the regulars and a senior presence who is still building up from a recent muscle issue.
Simeone’s lineup and travel plans
Atlético will jet into the capital of Arabia, arriving around 23:00 local time on Monday. The squad faces a tight schedule and will rely on familiar faces who can contribute immediately. The group includes players who recently absorbed a knock at Lugo but are ready to lend their experience in this derby, while Barrios arrives as a key returnee who may not feature in this match but could impact future fixtures. In addition to Barrios, the roster features a blend of seasoned performers and rising youngsters who will be called upon depending on how the match unfolds. The only notable absences stem from Lemar and Reinildo, who are unavailable through suspension or injury.
In goal, the team will rely on Oblak, Grbic, and Gomis, with a defensive line that includes Giménez, Azpilicueta, Soyuncu, Savic, Molina, Galán, Hermoso, and Marco. Midfield options include Paul, Koke, Saul, Lino, Llorente, Witsel, Barrios, Riquelme, Gismera, and Darío Frey. Up front, Griezmann, Memphis Depay, Melek Belt, and Álvaro Morata lead the attack, ready to seize any scoring chances against a well-organized opponent.
The Red and White side arrives in Riyadh as the only team to have defeated Real Madrid in La Liga this season, a 3-1 win at the Metropolitano last September. Much has changed since that result, yet Atlético carries confidence with a largely settled squad and a game plan that keeps them in the title mix. A potential turning point could come if they reproduce that sharpness while navigating recent setbacks against Girona and Getafe. Their path to silverware hinges on consistency and the ability to execute under pressure in a single-elimination format.
A Real Madrid without a plan B in defense
Real Madrid will land in Riyadh after a trip that keeps them competitive despite a handful of injuries. Long-term casualties Courtois, Militao, and Alaba keep their places on the injury list, while Lucas Vázquez misses out due to muscle fatigue. The latest session before the semi-final left doubts about Nacho’s partner in the center of defense, but the squad is flexible and ready to adapt if a key defender is unable to start.
Mendy makes a notable return from hamstring trouble and could start against Atlético de Madrid. Meanwhile, the midfield engine room grows healthier as Kroos, Tchouameni, and Vinicius Jr. rejoin the fold after absences in prior matches. The squad also benefits from the reintegrations of players who have regained form and fitness, strengthening both the defensive and attacking phases of play. The lineup leans on homegrown influence from the squad, with Cheek, Frank Tobias, Mario Martin, and Nico Paz traveling to Arabia to contribute depth and dynamism as needed.
Karvajal returns to his right-back duties, with a defensive block comprised of Nacho, Fran García, Rudiger, Mendy, and additional cover from Tobias. In goal, Lunin, Kepa, and Fran provide options. The midfield trio often features Bellingham, Kroos, and Modrić, with Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Ceballos, and Arda Guler offering rotation and technique. Up front, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Joselu, and Brahim are set to carry the creative load, combining pace with precision in a competition that rewards quick, decisive play.
As the two sides prepare for a clash that could define the early momentum of the season, both squads emphasize organization and attacking intent. The derby in Riyadh will test depth, chemistry, and the ability to perform under the pressure of high-stakes football, with supporters hopeful for a memorable showdown that adds another chapter to a storied rivalry. [citation]