As the excitement builds for the Spanish Super Cup final, Kylian Mbappe’s potential return to the field injects an element of suspense into the highly anticipated clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite a recent injury that sidelined him for weeks, his determination and the strategic decisions from coach Xabi Alonso could shift the momentum in favor of Madrid, showcasing both the player’s resilience and the team’s commitment to achieving silverware amidst their evolving dynamics.
Real Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, expressed optimism regarding Kylian Mbappe’s fitness as the team prepares to face Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday. While the French superstar has been recovering from a knee sprain sustained in late December—which initially sidelined him for up to three weeks—his unexpected journey to Saudi Arabia on Friday to join his teammates prior to the clasico indicates his eagerness to contribute to his team’s success.
Mbappe, who has been instrumental for Madrid, being their top goalscorer with 29 goals across all competitions this season, missed the semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid. The decision regarding his participation in the final is not taken lightly, as Alonso emphasized the importance of a measured approach. “It’s a decision we must make between the staff, players, and doctors,” Alonso stated, underscoring the need to assess the risk before returning Mbappe to the pitch.
While painkilling injections are on the table to facilitate his return, the coach reassured that the team remains cautious: “We are not kamikaze when we take decisions. It’s a controlled risk.” Some progress has already been made in Mbappe’s recovery, as Alonso noted the player is feeling significantly better following his absence from last weekend’s La Liga win over Real Betis.
Alonso laid out a clear strategy, stating, “We had in mind that if we got to the final, we could evaluate his condition according to how he felt.” The coach confirmed that decisions regarding Mbappe’s participation will be made based on his performance in training leading up to the match.
Securing the Super Cup would mark a significant milestone for Alonso, representing his first trophy since taking the reins at Madrid last June. The young coach faced intense scrutiny due to a challenging run of form towards the end of 2025, but the team’s recent five-match winning streak has offered a renewed sense of hope. “Projects take time … we’re evolving in terms of football and emotionally, the team’s spirit,” said Alonso, as he noted the growing connection with his players.
With this final poised to be a pivotal moment in their season, the stakes are high, and a victory could solidify both Alonso’s tenure and the team’s ambitions. #SportNews #MiddleEastNews