Fede Valverde Fires Record-Breaking Free-Kick in Real Madrid’s Supercopa Win Over Atletico

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde delivered a match-winning performance in the 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final on Thursday night.

Valverde gave Los Blancos a dream start in the second minute, scoring a sensational free-kick from a long way out. The set-piece goal also saw him shatter multiple impressive records, including one that had stood since the start of the century.

Valverde Shatters Records With Free Kick in Real Madrid vs Atletico

Real Madrid suffered a 5-2 defeat in their previous meeting with Atletico Madrid. Ahead of the game, Madrid coach Xabi Alonso insisted the team needed to do things differently, and the captain executed his command on the pitch.

In the opening minute of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, Real Madrid won a free-kick about 25 yards away from the Atletico Madrid goal. After a conversation with Eduardo Camavinga, Valverde ran up to strike it.

On Sunday, it’s Barcelona Real Madrid for the Spanish Super Cup trophy

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— 433 (@433) January 8, 2026

The Uruguayan, known for his long-range shooting, dispatched one of the cleanest strikes in the competition’s history, sending the ball missiling into the top-left corner. The shot, which had an xG of 0.04 and xGOT of 0.13, gave the Atletico wall and Jan Oblak no chance to react.

According to Opta, Valverde’s free kick hit the net just 1 minute and 16 seconds into the match, breaking three long-standing records.

WATCH: Fede Valverde’s Free-Kick in Spanish Super Cup

FEDE VALVERDE IN THE OPENING MOMENTS OF THE MATCH

WOWWWWW!!!

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— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 8, 2026

Xabi Alonso Hails Fede Valverde After Match-Winning Performance

In addition to the stunning free-kick, Fede Valverde played a clever pass to set up Rodrygo for the second goal of the game in the 55th minute.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was delighted with the stand-in captain’s performance and praised his competitive spirit.

The Spaniard said after the game:

“Fede had a great game. For the goal, the assist, what he conveyed, linking up with his teammates, intense in defence.

“He has that competitive gene. Goals aren’t the most important thing for him, but they give him energy. It was a classic Fede goal, with an impressive strike.”

With Real Madrid beating Atletico, Saudi Arabia is set to witness another El Clasico in the Supercopa de Espana final.

Barcelona made Spanish Super Cup history in their win over Athletic Bilbao and head into Sunday’s match as slight favourites. Los Blancos, however, beat the Blaugrana in their first meeting of the season and will hope to do it again in the highly consequential cup final.