“We’re very close to another title” - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti speaks up on highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona in Super Cup final

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that they are close to winning another title ahead of facing Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final. The match is set to be held on Sunday, January 12, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia.

The Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) final will be this season's second El Clasico after the LaLiga clash in October 2024. Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-0 at home in the game, ending their 42-game unbeaten streak in LaLiga. Sunday's match also marks the third consecutive El Clasico final in the Super Cup. In the 2022-23 season, Barca beat their league rivals 3-1, while Los Blancos demolished the Catalans 4-1 in the subsequent season (2023-24).

In a pre-match press conference ahead of El Clasico, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts (via Madrid Universal):

“If there’s a defeat, it’s a defeat. It’s a final, we’re very close to another title and we’re thinking positively. I’m aware that anything can happen in football. Especially when the opponent competes the way they have competed. A defeat wouldn’t be good, but the team is moving forward.”

Speaking further about facing Barcelona in the final, he added:

"Barça are always a historic rival. They are very complicated matches. It’s difficult for us, difficult for them. You can’t predict the result. We try to do our best and try to win another title.”

If Los Blancos win on Sunday, it will mark their third title this season after winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

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"Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world" - Barcelona boss Hansi Flick makes feelings clear ahead of El Clasico final

L to R: Lamine Yamal and Eduardo Camavinga - Source: Getty

The Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday will be one of the most important games for Hansi Flick since taking over as Barcelona coach in the summer of 2024. If the Catalans win, it will mark their first major trophy under Flick and their first one this season.

In the pre-match press conference, the German tactician hailed the rivals as among the best and said (via Barca's official website):

"We need to play a lot better than we did against Athletic [in the Super Cup semi-final]. We made too many errors and we need to reduce them. Real Madrid is one of the best teams in the world in transition and they take advantage of any option you give them."

If Los Blancos secure a win in the final, they will match Barca's tally of 14 Spanish Super Cup wins. Meanwhile, after a trophyless last season, the Catalan side will be desperate to win their first trophy this season.