https://arab.news/ngvfn
- Real Madrid aiming to win title for 3rd time in Kingdom
- Atletico Madrid after 1st trophy tournament victory following participation in 2022 edition in Saudi capital
RIYADH: The Spanish Super Cup football tournament will kick off in Riyadh on Wednesday with the participation of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Osasuna in matches at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Being held in Saudi Arabia for the fourth time, the competition, which runs until Jan. 14, will feature Wednesday evening’s heavyweight derby clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid, aiming to win the prestigious title for the third time in the Kingdom, are the current holders of Spanish football’s Copa del Rey.
Their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, are looking to seek to win the Spanish Super Cup title for the first time after participating in the previous edition held in early 2022 in Riyadh, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid lead Spain’s La Liga on 48 points with Atletico Madrid 10 points behind, in fifth.
Barcelona and Osasuna will face off on Thursday with the Catalan club hoping to repeat last year’s victory when they defeated historic rival Real Madrid. Osasuna will be making their debut in Riyadh.
Barcelona currently sit third in La Liga with 41 points, while Osasuna, runner-up in the previous edition of the Copa del Rey, are 12th on 22 points.
Saudi Arabia hosts the tournament as part of its Quality of Life program. The event is one of Spain and Europe’s top football competitions, attracting fans and viewers from around the world.