Real Madrid vs Barcelona predictions and match preview for Sunday’s Supercopa Final. Read on for analysis ahead of the second Clasico of the season as Los Blancos look to extend their strong recent record in the fixture.
| Date | Sunday 15th January 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 20:00 (CET) |
| Stadium | King Fahd International Stadium |
| Competition | Supercopa Final |
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
It’s a Clasico final in this season’s edition of the Spanish Super Cup as Real Madrid take on fierce rivals Barcelona. Both clubs reached the final after Extra Time and penalties in midweek and will be aiming to pick up the first available domestic trophy of the season.
Real Madrid have not quite hit the ground running since returning from the World Cup, with Los Merengues struggling to get wins against both Real Valladolid and lower division side Cacereño before losing away at Villarreal last weekend. Furthermore, injuries have started to rack up in the Spanish capital with David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Lucas Vazquez and Eder Militão all currently doubts for the coming matches.
Despite this run of form, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were able to edge past Valencia on Wednesday evening to make the Supercopa final. Neither side was able to keep control of the match for long spells and rather had sporadic moments of good football and creating big chances, with Karim Benzema able to strike home a penalty before half time and Samu Lino equalising only seconds after the restart.
After Extra Time also ended in a stalemate, Real were able to advance to the final after a penalty shootout which concluded with Thibaut Courtois saving a penalty from Valencia captain Jose Luis Gaya.
Like their rivals, Barcelona have also failed to regain momentum since the restart of the campaign, drawing at home in the Catalan derby with Espanyol before winning against Intercity in the Copa Del Rey and away at Atletico in La Liga despite pretty lacklustre performances in both matches.
On Thursday night, the Blaugrana played their Semi Final against Real Betis in an outstanding encounter which ended 2-2. Robert Lewandoski and Nabil Fekir both struck in the 90 minutes and Barça looked set for the Final after an excellent volley from Ansu Fati in Extra Time. However, Loren was able to tie the game once again with an excellent goal of his own, backheeling the ball into the net.
The game went to penalties and Marc Andre Ter Stegen was the hero, saving two Valencia spot kicks before Pedri slotted home the winning penalty to send Xavi’s side through to the Final.
El Clasico Supercopa Finals never disappoint, with memorable face offs in the 2011, 2012 and 2017 editions of the trophy. Last season the sides met in the Semi-Finals, a game which Real Madrid edged through in Extra Time in an enthralling 3-2 win. Given what is at stake and the questionable form both sides find themselves in, this Sunday should see yet another “partidazo” between Spain’s big two.
Supercopa Squads
Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (After Extra Time)
As mentioned, this match should be a joy to watch and drama as well as goals are expected. We edge Real Madrid given their record in recent Clasicos as well as the fact that they have won the Supercopa in both of the two seasons in which it has been held in Saudi Arabia, but seeing Barça win would be far from a shock.
Regardless of the result, both sides will be putting in 100% to win here and grab bragging rights and perhaps even put some pressure on their rival when it comes to LaLiga.
PLEASE NOTE – Our predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
