RIYADH: The Spanish Super Cup football tournament will kick off in Riyadh on Wednesday with the participation of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Osasuna in matches at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Being held in Saudi Arabia for the fourth time, the competition, which runs until Jan. 14, will feature Wednesday evening’s heavyweight derby clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid, aiming to win the prestigious title for the third time in the Kingdom, are the current holders of Spanish football’s Copa del Rey.
Their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, are looking to seek to win the Spanish Super Cup title for the first time after participating in the previous edition held in early 2022 in Riyadh, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid lead Spain’s La Liga on 48 points with Atletico Madrid 10 points behind, in fifth.
Barcelona and Osasuna will face off on Thursday with the Catalan club hoping to repeat last year’s victory when they defeated historic rival Real Madrid. Osasuna will be making their debut in Riyadh.
Barcelona currently sit third in La Liga with 41 points, while Osasuna, runner-up in the previous edition of the Copa del Rey, are 12th on 22 points.
Saudi Arabia hosts the tournament as part of its Quality of Life program. The event is one of Spain and Europe’s top football competitions, attracting fans and viewers from around the world.
Spanish Super Cup kicks off with Madrid derby in Riyadh on Wednesday
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Spanish Super Cup kicks off with Madrid derby in Riyadh on Wednesday
- Real Madrid aiming to win title for 3rd time in Kingdom
- Atletico Madrid after 1st trophy tournament victory following participation in 2022 edition in Saudi capital
Al-Ahli win again to climb to second in Saudi Pro League table
- The reigning Asian champions continued their recent improved domestic form with a 3-0 win at Neom
DUBAI: Al-Ahli on Saturday night continued their hot streak of form to climb to second in the Saudi Pro League table with a comfortable 3-0 away win against 10-man Neom.
The latest victory means the reigning AFC Champions League winners have now won seven league matches in a row and sit on 40 points from 17 matches, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal and three ahead of third-placed Al-Nassr. However, the two Riyadh teams are yet to play in Matchday 18.
After a scoreless first half, Al-Ahli took the lead from an Ivan Toney penalty on 55 minutes before Neom were left with a mountain to climb after the defender Khalifa Al-Dawsari was sent off six minutes later.
Riyad Mahrez and Enzo Millot confirmed a dominant win for Al-Ahli with two quick-fire strikes in the 64th and 67th minutes. Neom’s defeat sees them drop to 10th in the standings.
Earlier in the day, struggling Al-Shabab’s troubles continued when they could only manage a 0-0 draw against 10-man Khaleej Club, leaving the clubs in 14th and eighth respectively in the table.
In Saturday’s other fixture, two second-half goals by Khalid Al-Ghannam helped Ettifaq to a 2-1 win against Al-Kholood in Ar Rass, after Ramiro Enrique had given the home team a 16th-minute lead.
The win sees Ettifaq rise to sixth in the table while Al-Kholood remain in 12th.
