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Spanish Supercopa 2024: Format Changes, Upsets, and a Madrid-Barcelona Final

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:08 GMT by CBSSports.com

Spanish Supercopa: A Shift in Format, Dramatic Semi-Finals, and a Madrid Derby Final Looms

The Spanish Supercopa has undergone a revamp in recent years, and the 2024 edition, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is proving to be as captivating and controversial as ever. The tournament, traditionally a two-legged affair between the La Liga champions and the Copa del Rey winners, now features a four-team, knockout format. This year's semi-finals delivered high drama, culminating in a final showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Here’s a breakdown of the tournament so far, its changing structure, and what to expect from the final.

The New Format & Controversy

The shift to a four-team format in 2020, orchestrated by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and with significant financial backing from Saudi Arabia, has been met with mixed reactions. While proponents argue it generates more revenue and international exposure for Spanish football, critics decry the commercialization and geographical displacement of a traditionally domestic competition. The move to Saudi Arabia, in particular, has drawn criticism regarding human rights concerns and accusations of “sportswashing.”

The new structure pits the top two finishers from La Liga and the two finalists from the Copa del Rey against each other in two semi-final matches, followed by a final and a third-place playoff. This year, that meant Barcelona (2023 La Liga champions) and Real Madrid (2023 La Liga runners-up) automatically qualified, alongside Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao (the 2023 Copa del Rey finalists).

Semi-Final Shocks: Athletic Bilbao Upset Barcelona, Real Madrid Edge Atlético

The semi-finals were anything but predictable. Barcelona, despite boasting a star-studded squad, suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. The Basque side, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, proved to be a tactical nightmare for Xavi's Barcelona. Inaki Williams opened the scoring early, and Nico Williams doubled the lead before Robert Lewandowski pulled one back for Barcelona. However, Athletic Bilbao’s relentless pressing and organized defense held firm, securing a place in the final. This victory was particularly notable as Barcelona had previously been undefeated in their last 13 matches against Athletic Bilbao.

The other semi-final, a Madrid derby, was a tense and closely fought affair. Real Madrid, despite a more controlled performance, only managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid thanks to a solitary goal from Brahim Díaz. The match was characterized by physical intensity and tactical battles, with Atlético frustrating Real Madrid’s attacking prowess. Atlético, reduced to ten men after a red card for Ángel Correa, fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t find an equalizer. The game highlighted Real Madrid’s ability to grind out results, even without peak performance. Carlo Ancelotti’s side faced a significant injury crisis going into the match, but managed to navigate it effectively.

Key Players and Performances

Several players have stood out during the Supercopa. Nico Williams has been a revelation for Athletic Bilbao, his pace, dribbling, and direct running causing constant problems for Barcelona. His performance earned him Man of the Match honors. Inaki Williams, his brother, continues to be a vital attacking threat, providing a consistent presence upfront.

For Real Madrid, Brahim Díaz's goal proved crucial, and his overall performance showcased his growing importance to the team. Vinicius Junior, despite facing tight marking from Atlético, still demonstrated moments of brilliance. Atlético’s Antoine Griezmann, despite the defeat, displayed his usual work rate and playmaking ability.

The Final: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona – A Clash of Titans

The stage is now set for a blockbuster final between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This Clásico promises to be a captivating encounter, not just due to the rivalry between the two giants, but also because of the contrasting form they’ve shown in the tournament.

Real Madrid will enter the final as slight favorites, having demonstrated a steely resilience and tactical flexibility. However, Barcelona will be desperate to redeem themselves after their shock defeat to Athletic Bilbao. Xavi Hernandez will be under immense pressure to deliver a positive result and silence the growing criticism surrounding his tactics.

Historically, Clásicos are rarely predictable. The tactical battle between Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernandez will be key. Real Madrid's midfield control and counter-attacking prowess will be pitted against Barcelona’s possession-based approach and individual brilliance. The form of key players like Vinicius Junior, Robert Lewandowski, and Jude Bellingham will undoubtedly influence the outcome.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Supercopa

The 2024 Spanish Supercopa continues to be a source of debate. Whether the new format proves sustainable and beneficial for Spanish football remains to be seen. The financial benefits are undeniable, but the criticism regarding the location and perceived commercialization are unlikely to disappear. Regardless, the tournament delivers compelling football and showcases the talent within La Liga, and the final promises to be a spectacle worthy of the competition's legacy – albeit a revamped one. The match is scheduled for January 14th and will undoubtedly draw a global audience, eager to witness the latest chapter in the storied rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona.