Federico Valverde openly admits that Real Madrid wants to make amends in Sunday evening's Super Cup final against Barcelona. Earlier this season, the Catalans dominated with a 4-0 victory in La Liga at the Bernabéu.
"The match means a lot; we want revenge," Federico Valverde said during a press conference on Saturday, ahead of the highly anticipated Spanish Super Cup final.
Reflecting on Real Madrid's crushing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona earlier this season in La Liga, the Uruguayan midfielder admitted the loss left a lasting impact on the squad. "After that 4-0 loss, it was hard to sleep. We didn’t expect to lose by that margin. However, that game turned out to be useful because it helped us rediscover our belief and strength, making us the team we are now."
Valverde emphasized that Sunday’s match in Jeddah is not just another game but a vital moment to reaffirm Real Madrid's quality and ambitions. "It’s simply a very important final; it’s the first title of the year. Recently, things have been going well for us. Against Barcelona, we have the chance to gain a lot of confidence." For Valverde and his teammates, the Super Cup final represents an opportunity to make a statement against their fiercest rivals while adding yet another piece of silverware to the club’s illustrious collection.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti exuded confidence during his pre-match remarks, confirming that Real Madrid's squad is in excellent shape despite a tight schedule. The team played a demanding semifinal against Real Mallorca on Thursday, leaving limited recovery time before Sunday’s final. "The lineup will have no surprises," Ancelotti assured, hinting at his faith in the consistency of his starting eleven and the squad’s depth. Real Madrid’s journey to the final showcased their resilience and determination, attributes they’ll need to channel again against a formidable Barcelona side.
On the other side of the pitch, Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick is well aware of the challenge his team faces against the reigning Champions League holders. "We cannot afford any mistakes against Real Madrid because they will punish them. We're talking about one of the best teams in the world," Flick said. Barcelona, who have displayed impressive form throughout the season, will rely on their tactical discipline and star power to counter Madrid’s attacking threats. Flick’s confidence has been bolstered by the availability of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, two key players who had dominated recent headlines due to concerns about their eligibility. "There’s a lot of noise, but it’s external. We’re just a close-knit squad. So far, it’s been a great season," Flick added, emphasizing the unity within his team.
The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is steeped in history, and Sunday’s final adds another chapter to their storied encounters. Barcelona holds the edge in Spanish Super Cup triumphs, with 14 titles compared to Real Madrid’s 13. However, the prospect of Madrid leveling that record is not a pressing concern for Flick. "Can Real catch up? Those statistics aren’t that important to me," he said, downplaying the significance of the historical tally and focusing on the match at hand.
For Real Madrid, the final offers a chance to assert their dominance and begin 2025 with a trophy. For Barcelona, it is an opportunity to reaffirm their resurgence under Flick and extend their lead in Super Cup victories. As the two giants of Spanish football clash in Saudi Arabia, the stakes could not be higher. Fans around the world will be watching to see whether Real Madrid can exact revenge for their earlier humiliation or if Barcelona will continue to have the upper hand in this intense rivalry.
