Mbappe brings great news for Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé drew notice by being absent from Real Madrid's 2026 Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético. Yet, once Los Blancos advanced to the final, the French player took a crucial decision before facing Barcelona.

Following a knee sprain injury at the end of December, Mbappé had to sit out Real Madrid’s first matches of 2026. He missed the La Liga opener against Real Betis as well as the Spanish Super Cup semi-final match against Atlético. Even without their top scorer, Real Madrid still advanced and are now just one win away from securing their first trophy of the season.

In the post-match press conference, coach Xabi Alonso was asked whether replicating the performance against Atlético would be enough for Real Madrid to win the title, and also about Mbappé’s chances of playing. The Spanish manager gave a positive hint: “Mbappé will travel tomorrow and the upcoming match will be very different.”

Due to injury, Mbappé was not initially registered in the squad traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. During this time, the French forward stayed in Madrid to work closely with the medical team and has now completed his recovery, raising hopes for a timely comeback.

When directly asked about Mbappé’s fitness and likelihood to play in the final, coach Xabi Alonso answered clearly: “He has improved a lot. Mbappé has been training and feels very good. Does he have a chance to play? Like all other players on the roster, he has an equal opportunity to participate.”

The 2026 Spanish Super Cup final will take place at 2:00 AM (Vietnam time) on January 11. Barcelona earned their spot in the final after a dominant 5-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, while Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1 early on January 9. In this rematch, Los Blancos are determined to overturn the result from their last final encounter.

Previously, on January 12, 2025, Real Madrid and Barcelona met in the Spanish Super Cup final. Mbappé scored the opening goal in the 5th minute, but Barcelona staged an impressive comeback with goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha (twice), and Alejandro Balde, turning the match into a 5-1 victory. Rodrygo later added a free-kick goal after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was sent off, concluding the game at 5-2.

Barcelona continued to dominate Spanish football in the 2024–25 season by winning the domestic treble: the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and La Liga, all while facing direct competition from Real Madrid. Now, in Xabi Alonso’s first season leading the royal club, Real Madrid aims to change the narrative, with Mbappé’s potential last-minute return seen as a major boost before the final.