Real Madrid, the Spanish Super Cup holder, returned to the most prominent event of the competition in Jeddah after defeating Mallorca 3-0 on Thursday evening.
The Canaries were predictably stubborn in the semi-final and could have easily advanced before Jude Bellinghamwho complemented Zinedine Zidane by choosing the aesthetic of the shirt, opened the scoring after a quarrel in the Mallorca penalty area.
The 13-time domestic Super Cup champions rested in the aftermath, and they will equal Barcelona's 14 successes in this competition if they retain their title this weekend.
Here's how Madrid They could line up against their rivals in El Clásico.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Mallorca's ineffective work in front of goal was mean Courtois He didn't have to try very hard to keep a clean sheet on Thursday. The Belgian expects a busier outing here.
Right-back: Lucas Vazquez – Raul Asensio could feature at right-back during the second half of the season, but Carlo Ancelotti will stick with veteran Vazquez on Sunday.
Centre-back: Aurelien Chouamini – The Frenchman poses a new problem due to injury before the final match, but there is hope that Tchouamini will be fit to start. He has looked comfortable since dropping into Madrid's backline.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – David Alaba returned to the squad on Thursday and the Austrian could have a big role to play this season. However, the left-footed defender will not replace Rudiger on Sunday.
Left-back: Ferland Mendy – Ancelotti has Fran Garcia as an option if he wants to rotate at left-back, but would prefer to face the more powerful Mendy against Lamine Yamal.
CM: Edward Camavinga – Camavinga has made huge strides this season and has become an indispensable player in Real Madrid's midfield.
Midfielder: Federico Valverde – Ancelotti has at least managed Valverde's minutes in recent matches which should allow him to start again Barcelona. After playing half in Real Madrid's Copa del Rey win over Minera, the Uruguay international played 75 minutes on Thursday.
RM: Rodrigo – The Brazilian ended a memorable Christmas by scoring Real Madrid's third goal in the semi-final and should be included in the starting XI again despite Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler both competing.
AM: Jude Bellingham The goals continue to come for the English star after a slow start to the 2024/25 season, with Ancelotti returning Bellingham to the free-roaming role from which he thrived last season. Barcelona's excellent midfielders have a big task on their hands.
LM: Vinicius Junior – It seems like Vinnie Jr. can't stay away from controversy at the moment. After his violent expulsion against Valencia, the Brazilian got into an altercation with Mallorca player Pablo Maffeo on Thursday. The pair have a history dating back to the 2020/21 season after Maffeo was sent off for a poor tackle on the Madrid star.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe – The first task for Mbappe Sunday: Stay out! The French star was offside eight times in El Clásico in October – the most in a major Europa League match since December 2013.
