The Supercopa de España, one of the most thrilling football tournaments in Spain, is back, and this time it’s captivating fans in Saudi Arabia! Starting on January 8, the tournament features four of the best football clubs battling it out for glory. Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the most famous teams, are looking to add more trophies to their impressive collections, making it an exciting time for soccer lovers around the world.
What is the Spanish Super Cup? Supercopa de España History
The Supercopa de España has a rich history, evolving significantly since its inception. Originally, it took place as a two-legged format featuring the champions of La Liga and the Copa del Rey. This was back in the 1940s and 1950s. However, in recent years, a new format was introduced to make the competition even more thrilling, shifting to a four-team format in 2019. This change was made under a lucrative agreement with Saudi Arabia, which is reportedly worth around €120 million over three years.
Why is the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia? Format Change Explained
The decision to host the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia raised eyebrows, but it was made to modernize the tournament. The new four-team format, which includes the winners and runners-up from both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, creates a high-stakes and exciting atmosphere. Matches are held at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, where fans gather to witness fierce competition. This format allows for two semifinal matches followed by a final, keeping the energy and excitement at its peak!
Supercopa de España All-Time Winners: Most Spanish Super Cup Trophies
- Barcelona holds the record for the most Supercopa de España titles, having claimed a staggering 14 championships.
- Real Madrid closely follows with 13 titles, making both clubs the giants of this competition.
- The tournament has been a stage for many legendary players, including Lionel Messi, who leads in overall goals scored in the Supercopa with 14.
Key Matches and Current Status
As fans eagerly await the final match, the road to the championship is packed with excitement. On January 9, Real Madrid and Mallorca faced off in a semifinal showdown that determined who would challenge Barcelona in the final. Real Madrid, fresh from last year’s triumph where they defeated Atlético Madrid 4-1, aimed to defend their title against a determined Mallorca, who were only making their second appearance in the Super Cup.
How to Watch the Matches
For fans wanting to catch all the action, matches are broadcast live on ESPN Plus in the U.S., but options can be limited in other regions, including Canada, the UK, and Australia. If you’re outside the U.S., using a VPN can help you access these broadcasts legally, providing you have a valid streaming subscription. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the thrilling plays as teams vie for the coveted Copa.
| Date | Match | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| January 8 | Athletic Club vs. Barcelona | 2:00 PM |
| January 9 | Real Madrid vs. Mallorca | 2:00 PM |
| January 14 | Final: Winner of Semifinals | 2:00 PM |
This year’s Supercopa de España promises to be full of surprises, amazing goals, and unforgettable moments. Keep your eyes on the matches to see which team ends up lifting the trophy at the end of this exhilarating tournament!