Ancelotti: Super Cup Win Can Boost Real Madrid's Season

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is seeking revenge against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, following a humiliating 4-0 loss earlier this season.

Real Madrid is seeking revenge against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, still reeling from their humiliating 4-0 home loss to their arch-rivals in October. The defeat has left a lasting impact on the club, but Real Madrid has since recovered and is currently on a five-match winning streak.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is cautious ahead of the highly anticipated Clasico, acknowledging the significance of their previous encounter. “We have to think about what happened in the first game because they beat us (in LaLiga),” Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and building on their strengths.

Ancelotti recognized that the Super Cup final brings added pressure, saying, “A Clasico is always a Clasico, but a final puts a bit more pressure on you.” Real Madrid will defend their Super Cup title in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Ancelotti's team is determined to emerge victorious and exact revenge on their rivals.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that all players who traveled with the team, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham, are available for the Super Cup final. Bellingham experienced some muscle issues during the semi-final against Mallorca, where he scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win. However, Ancelotti reassured that “he's fine, he's recovered well.” Bellingham has been a key contributor to Real Madrid's success this season, ranking as the team's third-highest scorer and joint-top assist provider in their current LaLiga campaign.

Ancelotti emphasized the significance of the Super Cup, highlighting its impact on Real Madrid's season. “When we haven't won it, it hasn't gone well. It's a competition that gives you a lot more motivation,” he said. Notably, Ancelotti's last two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid coincided with Super Cup wins, underscoring the importance of this title.

🎙️ @MrAncelotti (10:00 CET) and @fedeevalverde (15:15 CET) to speak at press conferences today!
📺 #RMPlay & #RMTV#SuperSupercopa

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 11, 2025

The Italian coach also acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry with Barcelona, saying, “Barcelona are a historic rival and the matches are always very competitive. It's difficult for us and for them.” Ancelotti tempered expectations, adding, “The result of the match cannot be predicted.” This mindset reflects the unpredictability of El Clásico matchups, which often produce thrilling encounters.