Supercopa de Espana: Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Match prediction, injury news and Head-to-head

Two La Liga juggernauts will square off in the Spanish Super Cup final at King Fahd Stadium.

Real Madrid defeated Valencia on penalties to reach the first final of the 2022–23 campaign while Barcelona advanced to the final by overcoming Real Betis in shootouts. However, despite not playing at their best, both clubs managed to win and will now square off in what is billed as an El Clasico match on Sunday night.

Kick-off: 12:30 am (IST), 8 pm (GMT)

Real Madrid form (all competition): L-W-W-L-W

Barcelona form (all competitions): W-W-D-W-W-W

Players to watch

Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior

If given room, it's quite difficult to catch the Real Madrid star; thus, Barcelona's Jules Kounde will have a difficult assignment ahead of him and shouldn’t allow the Brazilian even a little room. Vinicius has developed into a seasoned player, and his combination with Benzema makes opponents' lives difficult.

Barcelona

Frenkie De Jong

The Dutchman attempts to replace Sergio Busquets, and De Jong has been given priority over the Spaniard by Xavi, and he has been successful. De Jong, along with Pedri, is a difference-maker for Barcelona. The 25-year-old has all the capabilities but needs to work on his positioning. The former Ajax midfielder will undoubtedly replace Busquets because of his excellent technical ability and willingness to dribble while making tremendous runs.

Injury and team news

Due to calf injuries, David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni are both out of the game. The club also had to replace Lucas Vazquez (ankle), Eder Militao (head), and Eduardo Camavinga in the game against Valencia. While Eduardo Camavinga could start against Barcelona

All of Barcelona's players will be available for the final against Real Madrid, and there are no injuries to be concerned about.

Head-to-head record

Matches: 250

Real Madrid: 101

Draws: 52

Barcelona: 97

Predicted lineup

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Kroos, Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati

Prediction

The game won't be a heated affair, but we know both teams will be prepared to put forth their utmost. Madrid will miss vital players, while Barcelona are full of hope, and the return of Ronald Araujo has strengthened their defence. Although we anticipate a close game, we believe that Real Madrid are the most resilient team and performs best under duress.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona