Spanish Super Cup Draw: El Clásico on the Horizon as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Learn Fate

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed the draw for the 2025 Spanish Super Cup semi-finals, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown in Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona will take on Athletic Club, while Real Madrid will lock horns with city rivals Atletico Madrid. The tournament is scheduled for January 7–11 at the King Abdullah Sports City in Riyadh, a now-familiar setting for Spanish football’s mid-season showcase.

Barcelona head into the competition as defending champions after dismantling Real Madrid 5-2 in last season’s final, a victory that capped their historic treble under Hansi Flick.

Traditionally, the Super Cup was a straightforward battle between the LaLiga and Copa del Rey winners. But under the current format, it brings together the league winners and runners-up alongside the Copa del Rey finalists, making for a mini-tournament full of heavyweight clashes.

Opinion: A Festival of Rivalries, but at What Cost?

Few competitions can match the Spanish Super Cup for drama, even if it has shifted from its traditional roots. This year’s draw has all the ingredients: Barcelona seeking to defend their crown, Real Madrid desperate for revenge, Atletico Madrid hoping to upset their neighbours, and Athletic Club chasing glory against one of Europe’s giants.

However, as exciting as it looks on paper, one can’t ignore the broader debate—does staging Spain’s domestic Super Cup thousands of miles away from home dilute its identity? For fans in Riyadh, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch world-class football up close. But for local supporters in Spain, the heart of the competition feels distant, literally and emotionally.

That said, one thing is certain: the tournament will deliver fireworks. Whether it’s the fiery Madrid derby or a potential El Clásico final, the Spanish Super Cup has quietly transformed from a curtain-raiser into one of the most entertaining fixtures of the European football calendar.

The big question now: can Hansi Flick’s Barcelona maintain their stranglehold, or will Real Madrid return the favour and reclaim pride on Saudi soil?