Real Madrid News
Official: Jeddah to host Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid facing Atletico in semi-finals
As per the new norms lately, the Spanish Super Cup will once again be held in Saudi Arabia this season.
This has been a tradition since 2020, with Jeddah notably hosting the first ‘Saudi Arabia’ edition of the Spanish Super Cup.
This was followed by matches in Riyadh on four consecutive occasions until last season, when the Spanish Super Cup returned to Jeddah again.
Jeddah to host Super Cup again
Now, Jeddah will once again host the Spanish Super Cup this season, where four teams in Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid will participate.
This will be the third time the tournament will be hosted in Jeddah and the second consecutive time at the same venue.
Barcelona and Athletic Club will face each other in the first semi-final, while Real Madrid will take on Atletico Madrid in the other semi-final.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | La ciudad de Yeda será la sede de la Supercopa de España por tercera vez en su historia.
— RFEF (@rfef) September 29, 2025
El @FCBarcelona_es se enfrentará @AthleticClub y el @Atleti al @realmadrid en las semis del primer gran torneo del 2026.
ℹ️ https://t.co/wGpczCTB91 #superSupercopa pic.twitter.com/U5GopCM9JT
This will be an excellent opportunity for Xabi Alonso’s men to exact revenge on Atleti, especially after a 2-5 thrashing this past weekend.
Interestingly, these were the two sides that played the final of the first edition of the ‘Saudi Arabia’ version of the Super Cup, in Jeddah in 2020.
Real Madrid won by penalties in that game. The Spanish giants, though, weren’t so lucky last season in Jeddah, as they succumbed to a defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona.
The Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah will also serve as an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to once again flex their sporting infrastructure to the world, ahead of the 2035 World Cup, which will be played in the country.
It will also be an opportunity for them to keep a closer eye on Vinicius Junior, who has long remained one of Saudi Arabia’s top targets, though the Brazilian has now also appeared on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
