La Liga Preview: Barcelona Meet Real Madrid In The Super Cup Final As Villarreal Take On Alaves In A Crucial League Encounter

‎The Spanish football weekend is set for a spectacular showdown as Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday evening.

‎Both teams arrive in the final after navigating their semi-final challenges, and with El Clásico on the line, the global audience is expecting another memorable chapter in one of football’s greatest rivalries.

‎Beyond the final, La Liga action resumes with important fixtures involving Valencia, Elche, Villarreal, Alaves, Girona, and Osasuna.

‎Here is the full, detailed preview of what to expect.

‎Spanish Super Cup Final: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

‎How Barcelona Reached the Final

‎Barcelona delivered one of their strongest performances of the season in their semi-final, sweeping aside Athletic Bilbao with a dominant 5-0 victory.

‎The Catalan giants were four goals ahead by halftime, thanks to clinical finishing from Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, and Roony Bardghji. Hansi Flick’s side looked sharp, well-balanced, and in complete control throughout the match.

‎How Real Madrid Reached the Final

‎Real Madrid’s path to the final was more demanding, defeating Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a tense capital derby.

‎Federico Valverde opened the scoring with a stunning long-range free kick before Rodrygo doubled the advantage early in the second half. Atletico hit back through Alexander Sørloth, forcing Madrid into a nervy final half hour, but Xabi Alonso’s men held on.

‎Recent Form and Historical Context

‎Barcelona comes into the final on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions.

‎Their last domestic defeat came against Real Madrid in late October, which will add extra motivation for Hansi Flick’s men as they look to avenge that loss.

‎Real Madrid remain a formidable force under Alonso, and although their recent performances have required resilience, they still possess one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking trios.

‎The rivalry adds more weight to this fixture. Barcelona have won four of the last five Clásicos, though Real Madrid have taken five of the last nine overall.

‎Sunday’s match will be the 263rd meeting between the clubs, with Barcelona defending the title they won last year after beating Real Madrid 5-2 in the final.

‎Team News and Predicted Lineups

‎Barcelona Team News

‎Barcelona remains without Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen due to injuries.

‎However, Lamine Yamal is fit to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a minor physical issue, and Ronald Araujo has returned to full training.

‎The competition for attacking places is intense, with Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Bardghji, Fermin Lopez, Lewandowski, and Yamal all fighting for spots in Flick’s front four.

‎Barcelona’s Predicted XI

‎J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin; Ferran Torres

‎Real Madrid Team News

‎Real Madrid welcome back Kylian Mbappé from injury, and the French superstar is expected to start. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militão, and Brahim Diaz remain out, while Rodrygo, Antonio Rüdiger, and Raul Asencio will undergo late fitness tests.

‎Dean Huijsen is available again and may step in if Rüdiger fails to recover in time.

‎Real Madrid’s Predicted XI

‎Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

‎Super Cup Final Prediction: Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid

‎Despite Real Madrid’s firepower, Barcelona appears sharper, better rested, and tactically cohesive heading into the final.

‎With both sides boasting attacking quality, the final promises goals, intensity, and drama. Barcelona may have the edge, but this is an El Clásico anything can happen.

‎La Liga Weekend Preview

‎While the Super Cup takes centre stage, La Liga continues with several significant fixtures involving teams battling for survival or pushing for European qualification.

‎Valencia vs Elche

‎Valencia suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Celta Vigo in their opening match of 2026, leaving them in 18th place.

‎Despite their struggles, Mestalla has remained a relatively strong venue, with only two home losses this season. Elche, who sit ninth, have impressed since returning to the top flight.

‎However, they have yet to win an away match this season, which remains a concern for Eder Sarabia’s side.

‎Suspensions and injuries mean Valencia will be without Hugo Duro, Diakhaby, and Julen Agirrezabala. Lucas Beltrán is expected to lead the attack.

‎Elche welcome back Federico Redondo and Andre Silva but remain without Hector Fort and Rafa Mir.

‎Prediction: Valencia 1–1 Elche

‎Valencia’s home form and Elche’s away struggles point towards a shared result.

‎Top-Four Aspirations vs Relegation Pressure

‎Villarreal responded well to their defeat against Barcelona with a composed 3-1 win away at Elche.

‎Sitting third and level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, they remain strong contenders for a Champions League spot.

‎Their home record has been one of the best in La Liga, while Alaves struggle away from home and have one of the league’s weakest scoring records. Alaves’ last win came over a month ago, and they arrive in need of momentum.

‎Team news for Villarreal includes the absences of Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes, while Veiga and Buchanan return. Alaves, meanwhile, are without suspended Carlos Protesoni and the long-term absentee Facundo Garcés.

‎Prediction: Villarreal 2–0 Alaves

‎Villarreal’s home strength and defensive solidity should be too much for Alaves.

‎Girona vs Osasuna

‎Girona find themselves in an unfamiliar battle near the relegation zone with the league’s worst defensive record.

‎However, two wins in their last three league games suggest improvement, and a home fixture gives them a chance to build momentum.

‎Osasuna sits three points above Girona and has been in solid form, losing just once since late November. Although they have a poor historical record away at Girona, their confidence under Alessio Lisci is growing.

‎Girona remain without Van de Beek, Portu, and Juan Carlos, while Osasuna travel without Enzo Boyomo and Iker Benito.

‎Prediction: Girona 1–1 Osasuna

‎Both sides enter with mixed form, making a balanced contest likely.