Real Madrid moved one step closer to a 14th Supercopa de España title after edging past city rivals Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the semi-finals to book a place in the 2026 final, where Barcelona await in an El Clásico showdown.

Xabi Alonso had promised Atlético they would face the very best of his side, and his team wasted no time delivering. Inside two minutes, Federico Valverde stepped up to a free-kick from around 35 yards and unleashed a stunning strike that flew into the roof of the net beyond a helpless Jan Oblak.

Atlético responded positively to the early setback and began to grow into the contest, though their attacking intent almost left them exposed at the other end. A rapid Real Madrid counter saw Rodrygo surge into the penalty area, but after wrong-footing a defender, his curling effort was well repelled by Oblak.

The pressure eventually told on Thibaut Courtois just after the half-hour mark, as Álex Baena’s long-range drive forced the Belgian goalkeeper into a sharp save. From the ensuing corner, Courtois produced an even more impressive stop, reacting brilliantly to keep out Alexander Sørloth’s flicked header, moments before the Norwegian somehow headed over from close range when left unmarked.

Despite Atlético enjoying spells of control, their failure to convert chances proved costly. Real thought they had wrapped up the tie within 10 minutes of the second half, when Rodrygo latched onto Valverde’s pass, brushed aside a weak challenge from Robin Le Normand and fired confidently past Oblak.

That two-goal cushion was short-lived, however. Just three minutes later, Atlético were back in the contest as Sørloth rose highest inside the six-yard box to power home a header from Giuliano Simeone’s inviting cross.

Diego Simeone’s side continued to push for an equaliser, with Courtois again called into action to deny Sørloth at his near post. Antoine Griezmann also went close late on with an acrobatic overhead kick, but Atlético were unable to find the decisive touch.

The defeat marks Atlético’s third semi-final exit in their last three Supercopa appearances, while Real Madrid now look ahead to another final clash with Barcelona. Having suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat in last season’s showpiece, Los Blancos will be eager to ensure history does not repeat itself on Sunday.