At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on January 13, the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup started a focus battle, with Barca playing against Real Madrid. In the first half, Vinicius broke the deadlock and Luc De Jong equalized; in the second half, Benzema scored and Fati scored. The regular time battle ended, and the two teams shook hands 2-2. In extra time, Valverde scored. In the end, Real Madrid beat Barca 3-2 and advanced to the final.
This year's Western Super Cup has once again moved to Saudi Arabia. It is reported that the Spanish Football Association has reached an agreement with the Saudi side, from this year to 2029, the event will be held in Saudi Arabia. This is a win-win deal for all parties, the Spanish Football Association will receive 40 million euros a year, partly to support regional football construction and lower league clubs; the other part will be divided among the four participating teams, taking this season as an example, Real Madrid and Barcelona each received 6.25 million euros, Atletico Madrid received 4.5 million euros, and Biba received 2.5 million euros.
In the 25th minute, Busquets was cut off in the middle of the circle, Benzema got the ball straight in, and Vinicius burst into the box to shoot! Real Madrid lead 1-0!
In the 41st minute, Dembele swept across the goal on the left, Militon broke free, and the ball just hit Luke De Jong's leg and bounced into the net! 1-1, Barca equalised! This is the first time since Luke De Jong landed in La Liga that he has scored three consecutive goals in all competitions.
In the 72nd minute, Benzema shot into the far corner, Ter Stegen flew to the rescue, Carvajal's cross was blocked by the cubs' feet, Benzema got the ball again, and pushed into the net! Real Madrid lead 2-1!
This season, Vinicius and Benzema have teamed up to score 37 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid, accounting for 59% of the team's total goals, while Barca have scored just 35 goals this season.
In the 83rd minute, Alba's 45-degree cross from the left side was met by an unguarded Fati who broke the net! 2-2, the two teams return to the same running line!
Since Messi left, Fati, who took over the No. 10 shirt, had high hopes. Unfortunately, he had been plagued by injuries and was playing again in two months. Coming on as a substitute for 17 minutes, the 19-year-old Barca supernova finished as savior.
In extra time, in the 98th minute, real Madrid substitutes also showed their might. Dembele conceded a goal at the back, Real Madrid instigated a counterattack to get 4-on-2 chances, Rodrigo advanced on the right and knocked back in the reverse triangle, Vinicius missed a spiritual leak, and Valverde at the back point followed up with a low shot into the net! 3-2, Real Madrid is leading again!
After scoring, Valverde excitedly took off his shirt and held it aloft. It was his first time scoring for Real Madrid since October 2020!
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Barca 3-2 to advance to the final of the Western Super Cup. For Barca, if they count the Maradona Cup last December, they have already lost two titles in 29 days.