Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is weighing a calculated risk regarding Kylian Mbappé’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The French superstar, Madrid’s leading scorer this season, has been recovering from a knee sprain and joined the team in Saudi Arabia on Friday. Alonso stressed any decision will prioritize a “controlled risk” rather than rushing the player back.
Mbappé’s Potential Return Dominates Spanish Super Cup Narrative
The potential appearance of Mbappé in the Clásico has become a central focus leading up to the match. He sustained a knee sprain in late December, initially expected to sideline him for three weeks. Alonso confirmed Mbappé is showing improvement after missing recent matches against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. The coach will assess Mbappé’s condition following Saturday’s training session before deciding whether to start him or utilize him as a substitute.
Alonso Under Pressure for Silverware
A victory in the Spanish Super Cup would represent Alonso’s first trophy since taking charge of Real Madrid last June. The team experienced a dip in form towards the end of 2025, leading to speculation about Alonso’s future. However, Real Madrid has rebounded with five consecutive wins, easing some of the pressure. Alonso emphasized the importance of team cohesion and the potential impact of a Super Cup win on the remainder of the season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged Mbappé’s quality, calling him “the best striker” currently. However, Flick pointed to Barcelona’s strong recent record against Real Madrid, including four wins last season. He stated his team will adapt its strategy to counter Madrid’s strengths, but the focus remains on Barcelona’s overall game plan rather than solely containing Mbappé.
Flick highlighted Barcelona’s success in previous Clásicos, reminding reporters that they defeated Madrid in last season’s Spanish Super Cup final, as well as both La Liga encounters and the Copa del Rey final. He believes his team is well-prepared to face the challenge, regardless of Mbappé’s availability. The German coach also noted that exploiting space behind the Real Madrid defense could be key to unlocking their attack.
The Spanish Super Cup final represents a significant opportunity for both clubs to claim early-season silverware and gain a psychological advantage in the title race. The match also offers a chance for Alonso to secure his first trophy as Real Madrid manager and further solidify his position. The presence of Kylian Mbappé, even in a limited capacity, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated encounter.
The final decision on Mbappé’s participation will likely be made shortly before kickoff on Sunday. Analysts will be watching closely to see how Alonso manages the risk and whether Barcelona can replicate their success from last season against a potentially revitalized Real Madrid. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams’ ambitions in La Liga and the Champions League this season, with La Liga title contention being a key secondary focus.
Beyond the immediate result, the game will be scrutinized for tactical insights and the evolving dynamics between these two Spanish football giants. The performance of both teams will be closely analyzed as they navigate a demanding schedule and compete for domestic and European honors. The impact of new signings, like Mbappé, and the effectiveness of coaching strategies will be key factors to watch throughout the remainder of the football season.
