Madrid, Jan. 7 -- Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid play Thursday's semifinal of the Spanish Supercup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a vital game for the future of Real coach Xabi Alonso.
Sunday's 5-1 win over Real Betis in La Liga was Real Madrid's best display under Alonso for several weeks and has lifted the pressure on the coach. However, a loss to local rival could stilllead to him losing his job.
Atletico ended Real Madrid's unbeaten start to the season with a 5-2 home win in the league in September 2025.
Real Madrid is without Eder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold due to long-term injuries, while Brahim Diaz is away and impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations, but the main loss is Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury he picked up last w...