After Real Madrid qualified Thursday evening in Jeddah against Mallorca (3-0) for the final of the Spanish Super Cup, find out what pleased… and displeased our editorial staff.
TOPS
L’indispensable Jude Bellingham
What another match from the Merengue midfielder! The Englishman is the player who delivered the White House (63rd) by concluding an action in which Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappé had previously been imprecise. The first of three goals for Real, winner of Mallorca (3-0) this Thursday, in Saudi Arabia, during the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. The Madrilenian, once again, spared no effort, always very technically sound and offering an impressive volume of play. Bellingham has the ability to play several positions at the same time. Supporting Mbappé, as an attacker and in midfield, in recovery. A hybrid player who, after an insipid start to the season, finds his exceptional qualities which make him a player apart.
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Federico Valverde, the handyman
He’s quite simply the player most used by Carlo Ancelotti since the start of the season… And we understand why. This player simply knows how to do everything. Few footballers like him exist. A true all-risk insurance and the hub of the White House, Real’s number 8 finished the match with no less than 95% of successful passes on the clock. The Madrilenian presents a considerable volume of play. The latter performs well in recovering the ball, in offensive and defensive transitions and does not hesitate to make the talk if he has to take his chance against the goal. Valverde, a fan of long-range missiles from outside the area, once again created two chances… with two violent strikes. A modern and total environment. A rare pearl.
A Classic in finale
We’ve been waiting for it and we’re going to get it. On Sunday (8 p.m.), Real Madrid will defend their title against their arch-rival, Barça. The Catalans got the best yesterday, against Athletic Bilbao (2-0), to reach the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Against the Blaugrana, the Merengue have (already) the opportunity to win their second title of the season and, above all, to take their revenge after the humiliation suffered (0-4), at home, in the championship, on October 26 .
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Spanish Super Cup: Yamal scores, Barça dominates Bilbao and awaits Real in the final
Mallorca did not give up
Authors of a very (surprising) good start to the season with, in particular, a current sixth place in the championship, the Mallorcans fought valiantly. Cornered in defense for the majority of the match and constantly seeing white waves sweep over their goal, Jaboba Arrasate’s men were still able, at certain moments, to show their fangs and get two great chances to continue to exist (a little) in this semi-final. But the logic was respected, the outsiders ended up giving in. Head held high.
FLOPS
Madrid’s offensive traffic jam
Despite an impressive start to the match, where the attacks were fluid and incisive, the Madrid attackers (Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrygo and Bellingham) stepped on each other (a little) in the second half, particularly in the middle. Starting the starting four may not be the best solution for Carlo Ancelotti. Mbappé, who gradually faded away in this part, often lacks space. Even if two players from the quartet found the net this Thursday, some are stalling due to lack of freedom. The merengue movements then suffer from a lack of clarity. A headache of “rich” and luxury for the Italian coach of Casa Blanca. Too much talent on the field kills talent, they say.
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Real Madrid-Mallorca: relive the quiet qualification of the Merengue against Mallorca in the final of the Spanish Super Cup
Real’s lack of class
Victorious over the modest Mallorcans, the Madrilenians, notably Bellingham and Vinicius, were (really) not obliged to silence the “Rojinegros” after the final whistle. Even if you are heckled by your direct opponent for 90 minutes, when you wear the white tunic, especially against an opponent well below you, you must be at least classy and know how to control your emotions . The Brazilian has already accustomed us to this, but Bellingham could have refrained from it. Mbappé remained calm, in the background, and that is to his credit.
