BT Sport will show the latest edition of El Clasico on Sunday when arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona meet in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Both sides came through a penalty shoot-out to set up a big hit in Saudi Arabia.
They were pushed to the end by Valencia and Real Betis, but goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Marc Andre ter Stegen were the difference in the shootout.
Sunday’s Clasico, the second of the season, promises to be another clash to enjoy as the Spanish giants fight for the coveted trophy.
The latest chapter in the Clasico story
The final act in Europe’s biggest match will take place in Saudi Arabia when the bitter rivals, who are fighting for supremacy in La Liga, meet in the final of the Spanish Super Cup.
The historic match remains unmissable with headliners Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski supported by a star-studded line-up of rising talent including Eduardo Camavinga, Pedri and Gavi.
There is no doubt that the legendary clubs are once again the dominant force in Spain and Sunday’s meeting promises to be an engrossing affair as both look to make their mark.
Real produced a clinical performance to win the last time the sides met in October, with Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo scoring in a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu.
It was a momentous moment for Los Blancos after they were beaten 4-0 by Barcelona in March, as Xavi’s revolution appeared to be gathering pace.
With just three points between them in La Liga, Sunday’s meeting will have ramifications far beyond Riyadh as both try to re-establish themselves at the top of Spanish football.
Xavi aims for his first trophy as Barcelona coach
Fourteen months after his emotional return, Xavi has the chance to win his first trophy as Barcelona coach.
On the domestic front, the club’s spending gamble appears to be paying off with Barcelona leading La Liga as they go in search of a first title since 2018-19.
Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde arrived this summer for almost £200m despite the club’s staggering debts.
However, they suffered the ignominy of early exit from the Champions League for the second consecutive year, relegating them to the Europa League where they will face Man Utd.
Xavi has overseen a tumultuous period at the Camp Nou, but is just one game away from a first trophy as Barcelona coach, with arch-rivals Real Madrid standing in their way.
“I am here to win titles and if there are no titles this season, you will kill me,” he said before the semi-final win over Real Betis.
The first piece of silverware in the Xavi era will be an important milestone for the club as he looks to return Barcelona to their glory days.
Madrid are looking at another season full of trophies
Serial winners Real Madrid are quietly aiming for another historic season under Carlo Ancelotti.
Los Blancos comfortably sealed the La Liga title last year and memorably won the Champions League after a sensational run to the final. They also hold the Spanish Super Cup after beating Athletic Bilbao last January.
Interestingly, they are still in the hunt for six trophies this season. They have already won the UEFA Super Cup and will double their tally with a win over Barcelona on Sunday.
They are convincingly in the La Liga title race and remain in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, with the Club World Cup also coming up next month.
The 12-time Spanish Super Cup winners have struggled for fluency since the World Cup, but are known for finding their best form when it matters most.
They were wasted against Valencia in the semi-final and had goalkeeper Courtois to thank for a fine shooting performance after Benzema’s first-half penalty was canceled out by Samuel Lino.
“Titles are always important for this club,” Ancelotti said. “Last year it was the title that gave us confidence for the season. I hope it can be like that in this Super Cup as well.”
Watch Real Madrid v Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday from 6.30pm on BT Sport 2.