At the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyad, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, the Supercopa de Espana 2022/23 championship game will pit reigning champion Real Madrid against archrival Barcelona.
THE SUPERCOPA FINAL IS SET 🏆
It's an El Clasico in Saudi Arabia 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DMLnnYN8mZ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 12, 2023
The 2019/20 edition of the Spanish Super Cup, which was previously a two-team competition, now features the champions and runners up of La Liga & the Copa del Rey.
With 13 titles, Barcelona is the most dominant team in the Spanish Super Cup sporting event.
However, The Blaugrana, on the other hand, have lost six of their seven Super Cup finals against Real Madrid and have yet to win a title since the new four-team format was introduced.
Barça is the club that has played the most finals (24) in the Spanish Super Cup and also won the most titles (13). pic.twitter.com/sVg22knDsX
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) January 12, 2023
Real Madrid won their semi-final 4-3 on penalties after Valencia’s second-half goal from the spot canceled out Karim Benzema’s first-half goal while Real Madrid is one Super Cup title away from tying Barcelona’s record of 13.
FT: 🇪🇸 @realmadrid 1️⃣-1️⃣ @valenciacf 🇪🇸 (4️⃣-3️⃣ on pens)
Real Madrid are through to the Spanish Super Cup Final after edging Valencia on penalties in 🇸🇦 Riyadh!
📍 King Fahd International Stadium pic.twitter.com/mIhTt8wv20
— AFC (@theafcdotcom) January 12, 2023
Prior to the penultimate game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti attended the media briefing and addressed the upcoming arduous and challenging season for the Spanish supergiant. ‘Los Blancos’ boss said the following, to emphasize a few points:
On the importance of winning the Spanish Super Cup:
“All titles are important to have confidence and have a good atmosphere in the locker room.”
🎙️ Thread of everything Carlo Ancelotti said in today’s press conference.
“What does the title mean? All titles are important, they give confidence & motivation to continue well. There are things that we play and we will try." pic.twitter.com/IVVUOd3COa
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) January 14, 2023
On Barcelona’s need to win the trophy:
“We have the same need to win as they do. We fight every day to get to this moment and the team is motivated as always. They are comfortable and used to this kind of pressure and we are very confident.”
On whether Real Madrid has a ‘full belly’ with trophies:
“It’s not true. We are talking about players who have not won last year. They started winning in 2013 and they will never have a full belly because they have a mental quality that is very high. Also because we are in a very demanding club and it doesn’t allow you to have a full belly.”
On the state of the pitch:
“I liked the state of the pitch the other day. We got into an issue that has led to a lot of messes and I don’t want to say what I wanted to say. It’s better grass than at home, that’s for sure.”
Today's schedule ahead of El Clásico final:
🎙 10:00 CET – Ancelotti's press conference.
🎙 15:15 CET – Press conference of a player.
⚽️ 16:00 CET – Final training session. pic.twitter.com/39IYEKArK4— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 14, 2023
On the El Clasico final:
“You have to do a lot of things right to beat FC Barcelona. It’s not just thinking that intensity is the key. The key is to play a complete game in all aspects.”
