The verdict is in: we're in for a dream final. Following FC Barcelona 's dominant 5-0 victory over Athletic Club, Real Madrid secured their place on Thursday night with a 2-1 win in the Madrid derby. This tactical triumph allows Xabi Alonso 's men to join the Blaugrana in a top-of-the-table clash scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Xabi Alonso's tactical revenge

Marked by the heavy 5-2 defeat suffered against the same Colchoneros in the 7th round of La Liga, Xabi Alonso surprised everyone. Gone was his usual flamboyant and dominant style of play; this time, the Spanish manager opted for a solid defensive block, deliberately ceding the initiative to Julian Alvarez and his teammates.

This pragmatic choice paid off from the outset. With a masterful free-kick, captain Federico Valverde opened the scoring, rewarding Real Madrid's clinical finishing. Despite constant pressure from Atlético, the Whites' defense held firm until halftime.

A second act under high tension

Upon returning from the locker room, the scenario remained the same. Faced with attacks from Sørloth and the Simeone brothers, Real Madrid could rely on an imperious Thibaut Courtois . Against the run of play, in the 55th minute, Rodrygo Goes doubled the lead at the end of a perfectly orchestrated counter-attack, seemingly sealing the outcome of the match.

But Diego Simeone's men hadn't reckoned with their resilience. Just three minutes after Rodrygo's goal, Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth pulled one back, completely reigniting the suspense. The end of the match turned into a real siege in front of the Madrid goal, but Los Blancos' solidarity ultimately prevailed.

See you Sunday for the title

Despite Atlético's territorial dominance, it was Real Madrid who emerged victorious, earning themselves a chance to lift the first trophy of the year. Vinícius Jr. and his teammates will, however, need to raise their game to challenge a red-hot Barça side in this highly anticipated final.