Real Madrid hold on to beat Atlético 2-1 as Xabi Alonso survives pressure
Real Madrid survived a tense clash with Atlético Madrid, holding on for a 2-1 victory that keeps Xabi Alonso’s position intact—for now—and sets up a Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday. Goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo gave Real the edge in a match where judgment and anxiety loomed over Alonso after a month of intense scrutiny.
Madrid wasted no time asserting themselves, scoring after just 77 seconds. Valverde converted a free kick, awarded after Gonzalo García, a 21-year-old substitute for Kylian Mbappé, was fouled by Conor Gallagher. The Uruguayan midfielder’s shot from 25 yards soared past the three-man wall and beat Jan Oblak, giving Real an early lead.
Despite falling behind, Atlético controlled much of the game, taking 22 shots and pressuring Real’s defense repeatedly. Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Sørloth all came close to equalizing, but Madrid’s defense and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois held firm. Courtois made crucial stops, including a near-impossible save from Sørloth and another from Baena.
Rodrygo extended Real’s lead with a composed finish after a slick move past Atlético’s Robin Le Normand, but the lead was short-lived. Sørloth headed in a goal to bring Atlético back into the contest with an hour remaining, forcing Alonso to adjust his defense. He shifted Jude Bellingham to cover the left, replaced injured players Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio, and moved Fran García and Ferland Mendy to reinforce the left side. Vinícius Jr., who had gone 16 matches without a goal, was withdrawn.
In the final minutes, Atlético threw everything forward. Courtois denied an overhead kick from Griezmann, Llorente narrowly missed a curling effort, and Tchouaméni made a crucial interception to prevent a last-minute equalizer. In stoppage time, Atlético had one final chance at 95:33, but the moment slipped away.
Real Madrid held on to claim the win, keeping their Super Cup hopes alive and giving Alonso a reprieve amid the mounting pressure. The result sets up a blockbuster showdown with Barcelona, a match that promises both opportunity and expectation in equal measure.