Xabi Alonso Finalises Starting XI for Career-Defining Spanish Super Cup Clash With Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly locked in his starting XI for the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday. 

The Spanish Super Cup is not the biggest tournament on the calendar, but it could be career-defining for Alonso.

According to reports, Los Blancos could sack Alonso if they fail to beat Atletico in the semi-final. Real Madrid have already shortlisted managers who could take the reins if the Spaniard is sacked.

Xabi Alonso Finalises Real Madrid Starting XI for Spanish Super Cup

Cadena SER journalist Antonio Romero has claimed Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso will pick the same starting XI that played against Real Betis on Sunday.

So, despite Dean Huijsen returning to the squad, Raul Asencio is set to start alongside Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the defence. Fede Valverde will continue in his make-shift right-back role, while Alvaro Carreras will serve as the left back.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni will operate as the double-pivot, with Jude Bellingham potentially assuming a more advanced role.

Finally, the attack will feature the trident of Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia, and Vinicius Jr.

Potential Real Madrid Starting XI vs Atletico (4-2-1-3):

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Garcia, Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid expected XI vs Atletico Madrid. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/4rjsgqFGAe

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 8, 2026

Real Madrid produced one of their most dominant performances of the season last weekend, beating Betis 5-1.

Gonzalo Garcia, who replaced the injured Kylian Mbappe up front, took the match ball home after scoring a hat-trick. Rodrygo also delivered an excellent performance, delivering two assists.

Vinicius Jr. was not at his best against Betis, but he has historically performed well against Atletico.

There are concerns that Mbappe’s injury could spell Real Madrid’s doom in the Spanish Super Cup, but the new-look attack could potentially pose a threat to Atletico’s back line.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Head-to-Head Record

The battle between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, aka El Derbi Madrileno, is one of the most iconic matches in European football.

Back in the day, Los Blancos made light work of their local rivals. But the contest has become a lot more evenly matched in recent years.

The two teams have met 241 times in all competitions. Real Madrid have claimed 123 wins, Atletico 60, while 58 games have ended in a draw.

Earlier this season, Atletico Madrid inflicted a 5-2 defeat upon Real Madrid. It was the first time that Atletico had put five goals past the Whites.

The two teams last met in the Supercopa in January 2024. Real Madrid claimed a 5-3 win in that game after extra time.