Real Madrid are facing a major injury headache ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final against arch-rivals Barcelona.
Three first-team pillars emerged compromised during the semifinal, casting shadows over defensive solidity and attacking flair for the high-stakes Clasico showdown.
Barcelona, riding a 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club, senses vulnerability exploitation amid Madrid’s physical toll.
Medical assessments intensify on Friday, determining availability in this prestige fixture, defining early 2026 supremacy. One silver lining offers offensive firepower restoration.
The doubtful trio comprises Antonio Rüdiger, Rodrygo Goes, and Raúl Asencio, per Marca reports, with Rüdiger’s status bleakest after limping off severely.
Rüdiger battled knee discomfort for 69 minutes before substitution, visibly hobbling post-match—Alonso confirming limitations forced his exit.
Asencio signaled thigh muscle issues mid-derby, withdrawing alongside the German amid Sorloth duels.
Rodrygo sustained a late leg knock from Julian Alvarez’s clash, exiting bandaged in the 87th minute—precautionary amid visible distress.
Initial club evaluations prove pessimistic. Rüdiger is deemed an unlikely participant; Rodrygo and Asencio await scans clarifying severity.
Alonso prioritizes caution—no risks in blockbuster finale. Valverde acknowledged fatigue from the packed schedule and Jeddah heat impacting all protagonists.
Bright spot emerges via Kylian Mbappé’s return. Knee sprain victim rested in Spain, the Frenchman joins Friday post-positive training—”sensations good,” Alonso noted, matching squad availability odds.
His reintegration bolsters firepower, counterbalancing absences.
Barcelona salivates opportunity. Flick’s rampant attack—fresh off Athletic rout—targets Madrid’s makeshift rearguard sans Rüdiger anchor.
Clasico fever crescendos. Madrid’s injury roulette amplifies jeopardy; Barcelona’s momentum surges. Sunday’s Jeddah theater promises chaos—resilience triumphs individual stars.
Fate of Spanish football’s crown hinges on medical verdicts and tactical genius.
Super Cup glory hinges on medical verdicts—Barcelona’s momentum versus Madrid’s resilience. Sunday’s Clasico finale promises tactical chess at fever pitch, crowning 2026’s early Iberian overlord.
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