Sunday, 11 January 2026| dubai| post time: 5:40 pm
Barcelona vs Real Madrid is the match the entire world has been waiting for, and it is finally here. On Sunday night, the two biggest giants of Spanish football will clash in the final of the 2025-26 Super Copa de España. The high-stakes El Clásico will take place at the iconic King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where a sold-out crowd is expected to witness history.
For fans living in the UAE, the excitement is even higher. With the kick-off scheduled for 11:00 PM UAE time, football lovers across the Emirates are preparing for a late-night thriller. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona enter the final in devastating form, but Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid are determined to prove why they are the kings of Europe.
ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Shocking Admission: Is Saudi Pro League Tougher Than La Liga?
Barca Finds Successor: Club Identifies Perfect ‘Lewandowski’ Replacement
The Road to the Final
Both teams reached the final after dominant displays in the semi-finals. FC Barcelona sent a clear message to their rivals by thrashing Athletic Club Bilbao 5-0. It was a tactical masterclass by Hansi Flick, showing that the Blaugrana are ready to retain their title.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, had a tougher challenge but successfully outplayed Atletico Madrid. Under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have shown incredible resilience. Having already defeated Barca once this season, Real Madrid will be confident, but they know that facing this in-form Barcelona side requires their “top effort.”
Match Details & Kick-off Time
If you are watching from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the UAE, here are the essential details:
- Match: Barcelona vs Real Madrid (Super Cup Final)
- Date: Sunday, January 12, 2026
- Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City
- Kick-off Time: 11:00 PM (UAE Time)
- Referee: Jose Munuera (VAR in use)
Players to Watch: Raphinha vs Valverde
The outcome of Barcelona vs Real Madrid often depends on individual brilliance. This time, all eyes will be on Raphinha and Federico Valverde.
- Raphinha (Barcelona): The 29-year-old is currently a nightmare for defenders. After scoring a brilliant brace in the semi-final, he is the key man for Flick. His pace and clinical finishing will be the biggest threat to the Madrid backline.
- Federico Valverde (Real Madrid): The engine of the Madrid midfield. Valverde is coming off a game where he scored a stunning free-kick and provided an assist. His ability to control the tempo and help the defence will be crucial in stopping Barca’s flow.
Coach Zidane is Back! The Legend Prepares for a New Role
Injury News and Team Updates
Both managers have some selection headaches ahead of the big final.
- Barcelona: Hansi Flick will be without long-term absentees Gavi, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen. Fans are also anxiously waiting for fitness updates on Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo, who are not yet confirmed for the starting XI.
- Real Madrid: Xabi Alonso is missing Eder Militao due to injury. Additionally, Brahim Diaz is away on national duty for AFCON 2025. There are also doubts regarding the full fitness of Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.
Key Match Facts
- Unbeaten Run: Barcelona are currently on a nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.
- Winning Momentum: Real Madrid have won their last five matches in a row.
- Recent History: Interestingly, Barcelona have won four of the last five El Clásico encounters.
- Record Winners: Barcelona have won this competition a record 15 times and are the defending champions.
Predicted Lineups
While the official teams are announced an hour before kick-off, here are the expected formations:
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García (GK); Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Lopez, Rashford; Torres.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK); Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr., Garcia.
Why This Match Matters
This edition of Barcelona vs Real Madrid is more than just a trophy, it is a battle for psychological dominance. For Barcelona, winning would mean retaining the trophy and proving Hansi Flick’s era has truly arrived. For Real Madrid, it is a chance for Xabi Alonso to win his first major silverware with the club and silence the critics.
For the UAE audience, this is the perfect Sunday night entertainment. Whether you are supporting the Catalan giants or the Madridistas, Jeddah is about to witness a footballing spectacle that will be talked about for years.
FAQ
- Where can I watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid in the UAE? The match will be broadcast on major sports channels like SSC (Saudi Sports Channel) and likely streamed on platforms like Shahid.
- Are there tickets still available? The King Abdullah Sports City is reported to be sold out, but official resale platforms may have limited availability.
- What happens if it’s a draw after 90 minutes? If the scores are level, the match will go into 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
- Who has won more El Clásicos historically? Real Madrid currently leads with 107 wins compared to Barcelona’s 104 wins.
- Is Mbappe playing today? Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion in the starting XI is not yet confirmed due to fitness concerns, but he is expected to be on the bench at the very least.
ALSO READ: Clash of the Titans: Argentina vs France Friendly, Rematch of the 2022 World Cup Final is Coming
